Posters

PSA

New PSA Script

Reports of missing persons have increased sixfold in the past 25 years, from roughly 150,000 in 1980 to about 900,000 in the year of 2010. An astounding 2,300 Americans are reported missing every day. In many cases, the people are recovered. But sometimes, they never show up and only a body is found. Think back to September 11, 2001 when hijackers crashed their planes into the World Trade Center. Over 1,000 bodies went unidentified and were disposed of. We need to use DNA technology to our advantage to solve this problem of unidentified bodies. With (NAME OF PROJECT), a new addition to the FBI’s already successful CODIS system, newborns DNA will be safely secured and accessible to be matched when mass disasters or unidentified bodies are found. Every person deserves to be known and every loved one deserves to have closure. Show your support by visiting our website!


***I'm working on a name for this project

Change of plans!

Because the idea for my topic was too broad, I decided to change my focus to something more attainable. Instead of creating a National DNA Database in which all arrested citizen would be required to submit DNA, I am now focusing on identifying missing persons and unidentified bodies. I will do this by creating something similar to the NDIS (National DNA Index System) which is a component to the CODIS (Combined DNA Index System). The NDIS is solely for criminals whose DNA is being stored for future reference. My addition to the CODIS will solely be for DNA taken from newborn babies. This DNA will be stored so that in case of a mass disaster such as 9/11 occurs or just one unidentified body is found, the process of determining who they are will be extremely simplified by simply searching for a match in the system.

To initiate (NAME OF PROJECT, which I have no decided on yet) and bring it to the public’s attention, I will create an informational website which will contain interviews with law enforcement officials, statistics on missing persons, and an interactive journey from when the DNA is collected to when it is stored in the database. There will too be a blog in connection with the website where people can communicate with each other, share any new ideas that could improve (NAME OF PROJECT) and give testimonials. I will also raise awareness for missing persons and unidentified bodies by creating dramatic posters that identify the cause and the name of the website so that people can show their support and by creating a Facebook page for people to share their opinions and stories. I also plan to create an informational brochure that can be handed out in hospitals to curious patrons. Ideally, I would like to build a concrete following on the topic and make the project relevant to today, all while attracting the attention of law enforcement and possibly putting this system in place in the future.

Take-Away Ideas

I have a few ideas for a take-away for my project of a National DNA Database.

-Stickers with pictures of missing persons that say "Stop Unsolved Crimes, Support National DNA Database"
-Pencils with website name on it
-Ribbon awareness
-Fishbowl with slips of paper that describe a missing person/unsolved crime that could have been solved with DNA technology
-At-home DNA testing kits to raise awareness
-Samples of laminated identification cards with list of benefits on the backside and description of my project
-Q-tip in plastic vial inside an envelope with a short informational paper: slogan- "It's this easy." (favorite!)

PSA Script

Every year in America nearly 6,000 killers get away with murder. Approximately 185,000 killings went unsolved from 1980 to 2008. Although crime seems to be inevitable, there is a technological advancement that ensures conviction of criminals as well as significantly reducing crime rates. Properly executed, a National DNA Database of criminals would increase conviction of the guilty and protect the innocent. The database would store genetic information of every arrested citizen of the United States in one place and would be accessible to law enforcement agencies across state lines. For more information, please visit our website and show your support.

Sample Video