Now that something as simple as shoplifting can get your DNA put in a statewide database forever, local authorities hope this will discourage people from committing crimes in the first place.

State legislators early Thursday morning passed a bill that doubles the state's DNA databank to now include genetic information from anyone convicted of any felonies and nearly any penal law misdemeanors. Previously, DNA was collected only from 48 percent of offenders convicted of penal law crimes.

One reason this expanded database will be a key tool for police is the reality that people who commit crimes in the past tend to commit more crimes in the future, officials said.

By broadening the number of crimes that can result in a person's DNA being put on file, that increases the odds of finding a match if that person leaves behind the slightest genetic evidence while committing another crime, especially burglaries and sex crimes.

We've already solved a lot of cases this way, and this absolutely opens the range of people who will be in the database, Utica police Chief Mark Williams said. So, it's more likely we'll be able to solve crimes more quickly.

This DNA databank also might help investigators quickly determine whether they have the right or wrong suspect, lessening the odds of a wrongful conviction. But authorities also hope this will make criminals think twice about breaking the law again.

Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara said, There's part of me that hopes this will make our communities safer because it will have a deterrent effect on people committing crimes by making them say, 'Hey, they have my DNA on file, and if I leave any DNA behind now they're going to be able to find out who I am.'

This legislation also will give defendants more access to DNA testing before trial to demonstrate their innocence, or give them limited access to certain evidence after trial based on credible allegations.

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DNA database: Authorities hope it will discourage crimes