A DNA sample is taken by the police, local jail, or probation department. A swab, like the size of a toothbrush, is placed inside your mouth and rubbed against your cheek. The process does not hurt and takes only seconds.
This sample is provided to the New York State DNA Databank controlled by the Office of Forensic Services. This resource is used any time DNA evidence is collected at a crime scene and there is a question as to who it belongs to.