Thousands of unsolved crimes could be solved after police are given new powers to take DNA samples from certain suspects without a court order, the Victorian Government says.

Key points: More DNA testing could help police solve crimes more quickly, minister says

More DNA testing could help police solve crimes more quickly, minister says Offenders could face up to 10 years' jail if they assault an officer with a weapon

Offenders could face up to 10 years' jail if they assault an officer with a weapon If a gun is fired near an officer, an offender could face 15 years' jail

The proposed change, to be introduced to State Parliament today, would allow detectives to take DNA from adults accused of committing violent or serious crimes that are punishable by jail time.

More than 55,000 DNA samples taken from crime scenes, which do not match anyone's profile, are currently being held by police.

Police Minister Lisa Neville said the change would "streamline" police powers and allow authorities to quickly identify serial offenders.

"It's bringing it in to line with fingerprinting, making it easier for police but most importantly making it an effective way to be able to solve crime very quickly, and make arrests very quickly," she said.

"The technology for DNA now and the forensic capability around DNA is the best that we can offer in terms of solving crimes and accuracy around that."

If the accused is a minor, the powers will be limited to certain crimes including terrorism, murder, manslaughter and home invasions.

Ms Neville said if a person was found not guilty, or a case was withdrawn, then the DNA samples taken from the accused would be destroyed.

About 8,000 DNA samples are recorded in Victoria each year, but this would jump to about 70,000 within a 12-month period, Ms Neville said.

Police had been given funding to employ 70 new forensic staff and specialised equipment to deal with the increase demand, she said.

The change would also bring Victoria into line with other states and make it easier for authorities to share information across the country.

Opposition spokesman Edward O'Donohue said the Opposition supported the change but said it had taken the Government too long to implement.

The Andrews Government is hoping to pass the legislation by the end of the year.

Tougher penalties for threatening police

Meanwhile, Victorians who intimidate police officers or threaten their family members could soon face up to 10 years in jail, under new laws to be introduced by the Andrews Government today.

The proposed changes would also make it a crime to place police, protective services officers (PSOs) and custody officers in positions of "extreme risk", even if they escape unscathed.

The measures are designed to strengthen Labor's law and order credentials ahead of the November state election.

Ms Neville said the Government would ensure that those who endangered law enforcement officers would be punished, even if the officer was not injured.

Police Minister Lisa Neville said the new DNA powers would help police solve crimes more quickly. ( ABC News )

"If you seek to harm a police officer, a PSO, a custody officer and even without an injury, you will face some jail time," she said.

Under the plan, criminals convicted of intentionally or recklessly assaulting officers will face up 10 years in jail, and 15 years if a gun is involved.

Victorians who fire a gun in the presence of an officer, even if it is into the air or at the ground, will also face up to 15 years behind bars.

Ms Neville said it was also the first time family members of law enforcement officers would have specific protections enshrined in the law.

Mr O'Donohue said those who worked to keep the community safe deserved legal protection.

"But the brilliant question is, 'What has been going on that requires this legislation to be introduced?'" he said.

"Police are under attack like never before. They've been spat on on the street, assaulted, attacked, driven at in police car rammings like we've never seen before.

"It's a sign of the lack of respect and the lawlessness that we see that these laws are even needed."

New legislation to increase penalties for injuring an emergency service worker are also being introduced into Parliament today.

Attacks on first responders and prison staff that result in injury will be classified as category-one offences, which require the court to impose a custodial sentence.

Victoria Police and the Police Association of Victoria support the changes.