NSW Police take DNA from hundreds of ex-offenders to build crime-solving database

New South Wales police are collecting DNA samples from thousands of criminals with spent convictions to help solve cold cases and future crimes.

Police are planning to take a further 2,000 samples over the next 12 months, adding to 1,000 already collected, to build a comprehensive DNA database.

Civil liberties advocates have criticised the program for casting too wide a net and taking samples from people who were, in many cases, rehabilitated.

David Porter from the Redfern Legal Centre, a state-wide service, said there had been a dramatic increase in the use of the practice throughout the year and public resources were being wasted.

"These are people who aren't under suspicion of any crime," he said.

"The police are taking the time to seek their DNA, we are taking our time to advise them in relation to it, the police are taking further time to lodge an application with the local court, the local court is taking time to hear that application.

"I'm not sure what evil it is addressing."

Officers have had the power to request DNA samples from past offenders for seven years, but the practice has been relatively rare until recently, when it was made a priority.

Under the program police can visit the homes of past offenders to request a DNA sample if they meet specific criteria.

The offenders must have served prison time for a crime that has a maximum sentence of more than five years and have been charged with a further offence, although not necessarily convicted.

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NSW Police take DNA from hundreds of ex-offenders to build crime-solving database