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Drug Testing Service | Holland | Trident Labs

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Drug Testing Service | Holland | Trident Labs

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Urine & Oral Fluid Drug Testing Provider - Trident Labs, a high complexity laboratory in Holland, Michigan.

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Please note that these questions and responses refer specifically to the National DNA Index System; state DNA databases operate in accordance with the applicable state law, and questions concerning the operation of a particular state DNA database should be directed to that state.

1. What is CODIS?

CODIS is the acronym for the Combined DNA Index System and is the generic term used to describe the FBI's program of support for criminal justice DNA databases as well as the software used to run these databases. The National DNA Index System or NDIS is considered one part of CODIS, the national level, containing the DNA profiles contributed by federal, state, and local participating forensic laboratories.

CODIS DNA Databases

2. How do these DNA databases using CODIS work?

For example, in the case of a sexual assault where an evidence kit is collected from the victim, a DNA profile of the suspected perpetrator is developed from the swabs in the kit. The forensic unknown profile attributed to the suspected perpetrator is searched against their state database of convicted offender and arrestee profiles (contained within the Convicted Offender and Arrestee Indices, if that state is authorized to collect and database DNA samples from arrestees). If there is a candidate match in the Convicted Offender or Arrestee Index, the laboratory will go through procedures to confirm the match and, if confirmed, will obtain the identity of the suspected perpetrator. The DNA profile from the evidence is also searched against the state's database of crime scene DNA profiles called the Forensic Index. If there is a candidate match in the Forensic Index, the laboratory goes through the confirmation procedures and, if confirmed, the match will have linked two or more crimes together. The law enforcement agencies involved in these cases are then able to share the information obtained on each of the cases and possibly develop additional leads.

3. What happens after there is a hit in the DNA database?

CODIS was designed to compare a target DNA record against the DNA records contained in the database. Once a match is identified by the CODIS software, the laboratories involved in the match exchange information to verify the match and establish coordination between their two agencies. The match of the forensic DNA record against the DNA record in the database may be used to establish probable cause to obtain an evidentiary DNA sample from the suspect. The law enforcement agency can use this documentation to obtain a court order authorizing the collection of a known biological reference sample from the offender. The casework laboratory can then perform a DNA analysis on the known biological sample so that this analysis can be presented as evidence in court.

4. How do laboratories count CODIS hits?

The procedure used for counting hits gives credit to those laboratories involved in analyzing and entering the relevant DNA records into CODIS. The system's hits are tracked as either an offender hit (where the identity of a potential suspect is generated) or as a forensic hit (where the DNA profiles obtained from two or more crime scenes are linked but the source of these profiles remains unknown). These hits are counted at the state and national levels. CODIS was established by Congress to assist in providing investigative leads for law enforcement in cases where no suspect has yet been identified; therefore a CODIS hit provides new investigative information on these cases. The hits are reported as "Investigations Aided," thus enabling the FBI to measure the effectiveness of both the CODIS software and National DNA Index System; see NDIS statistics by state for more information.

5. Do laboratories track conviction rates based on the CODIS hit?

Laboratories that participate in the National DNA Index System are not required to track local or state conviction rates based on CODIS hits. As discussed above, CODIS was designed to assist law enforcement by providing potential investigative information in those cases in which crime scene evidence has yielded a DNA profile but no suspect has been identified. Once the hit information is provided to law enforcement, neither the FBI nor the local laboratory is typically notified as to the resolution of the investigation-aided case.

6. Why do laboratories only send out the hit notifications to the law enforcement contributor?

A law enforcement agency sends the crime scene evidence to the forensic DNA laboratory for analysis and production of a DNA record. At the time of the hit, there may not be an open or active investigation or other judicial proceeding and, therefore, the submitting law enforcement agency becomes the laboratory's point of contact for hit notification.

7. What DNA information is stored in these databases?

The DNA profile, also known as a DNA type, is stored in the database. For Forensic STR DNA analysis, the DNA profile consists of one or two alleles at the 20 CODIS Core Loci.

8. Is any personal information relating to the convicted offenders, arrestees, or detainees stored in these DNA databases?

No names or other personal identifiers of the offenders, arrestees, or detainees are stored using the CODIS software (for missing persons records stored at NDIS, available metadata, such as the date of birth, may be included.) Only the following information is stored and can be searched at the national level:

1. The DNA profile-the set of identification characteristics or numerical representation at each of the various loci analyzed;

2. The Agency Identifier of the agency submitting the DNA profile;

3. The Specimen Identification Number-generally a number assigned sequentially at the time of sample collection. This number does not correspond to the individual's social security number, criminal history identifier, or correctional facility identifier; and

4. The DNA laboratory personnel associated with a DNA profile analysis.

9. What precautions are taken for safeguarding the information in these DNA databases?

The computer terminals/servers containing the CODIS software are located in physically secure space. Access to these computers is limited to only those individuals authorized to use CODIS and approved by the FBI. Communications between participating federal, state, and local laboratories occur over a wide area network accessible to only criminal justice agencies approved by the FBI.

Pursuant to federal law (the DNA Identification Act of 1994), DNA data is confidential. Access is restricted to criminal justice agencies for law enforcement identification purposes. Defendants are also permitted access to the samples and analyses performed in connection with their cases. If all personally identifiable information is removed, DNA profile information may be accessed by criminal justice agencies for a population statistics database, for identification research and protocol development purposes, or for quality control purposes. The unauthorized disclosure of DNA data in the National DNA database is subject to a criminal penalty not to exceed $250,000.

The National DNA Index System

10. What is the National DNA Index System (NDIS)?

NDIS is the acronym for the "National DNA Index System" and is one part of CODIS-the national level-containing the DNA profiles contributed by federal, state, and local participating forensic laboratories. NDIS was implemented in October 1998. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, the federal government, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory, and Puerto Rico participate in NDIS.

The DNA Identification Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. §14132) authorized the establishment of this National DNA Index. The DNA Act specifies the categories of data that may be maintained in NDIS (convicted offenders, arrestees, legal, detainees, forensic [casework], unidentified human remains, missing persons, and relatives of missing persons) as well as requirements for participating laboratories relating to quality assurance, privacy, and expungement.

11. What are the specific requirements for a state's participation in the National DNA Index?

The DNA Identification Act (42 U.S.C. §14132(b)) specifies the requirements for participation in the National DNA Index System (NDIS) and the DNA data that may be maintained at NDIS (convicted offender, arrestees, legal, detainees, forensic [casework], unidentified human remains, missing persons, and relatives of missing persons). The DNA Identification Act requires the following:

That the laboratories participating in the National DNA Index comply with the Quality Assurance Standards issued by the FBI Director;

That the laboratories submitting the DNA records are accredited by a nonprofit professional association of persons actively engaged in forensic science that is nationally recognized within the forensic science community;

That the laboratories submitting the DNA records undergo an external audit every two years to demonstrate compliance with the FBI Director's Quality Assurance Standards ;

That the laboratories are federal, state, or local criminal justice agencies ("or the Secretary of Defense in accordance with section 1565 of title 10, United States Code"); and

That access to the DNA samples and records is limited in accordance with federal law.

States seeking to participate in NDIS sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the FBI Laboratory documenting their agreement to abide by the DNA Identification Act requirements as well as record-keeping and other operational procedures governing the uploading of DNA data, expungements, CODIS users, audits, etc.

12. Are there approved accrediting agencies?

Federal law requires that laboratories submitting DNA data to NDIS are accredited by a nonprofit professional association of persons actively engaged in forensic science that is nationally recognized within the forensic science community. The following entities have been determined to satisfy this definition: the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA), and ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB: The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) and Forensic Quality Services (FQS), approved separately as accrediting agencies are now part of ANAB).

13. What are the access requirements for the DNA samples and records?

1. The DNA Identification Act, §14132(b)(3), specifies the access requirements for the DNA samples and records "maintained by federal, state, and local criminal justice agencies (or the Secretary of Defense in accordance with section 1565 of title 10, United States Code)," and "allows disclosure of stored DNA samples and DNA analyses only:
to criminal justice agencies for law enforcement identification purposes;

2. in judicial proceedings, if otherwise admissible pursuant to applicable statutes or rules;

3. for criminal defense purposes, to a defendant, who shall have access to samples and analyses performed in connection with the case in which such defendant is charged; or

4. if personally identifiable information is removed, for a population statistics database, for identification research and protocol development purposes, or for quality control purposes."

14. What if a state's law on access to the DNA samples and profiles is different from the federal provisions?

If a state has signed the Memorandum of Understanding with the FBI to participate in NDIS, that state has agreed to comply with the Federal DNA Identification Act, including the limited access requirements. To the extent that these access and disclosure provisions of the Federal DNA Act conflict with a state's DNA database law, the state has agreed to the provisions of the Federal DNA Act superseding the state law for purposes of NDIS participation. That is, if a state DNA database law permits access to the DNA samples and analyses in the state DNA database for purposes not contained in the Federal DNA Act (i.e., humanitarian purposes), and that state is participating in NDIS, then the state has agreed to comply with the more restrictive federal access provisions.

15. Is the defendant entitled to access the DNA samples and analyses of other individuals?

Under the DNA Identification Act, the defendant may have access to the samples and analyses performed in connection with his or her case for criminal defense purposes (42 U.S.C. §14132(b)(3)(C)). This provision permits access to the results of any analyses of samples taken from the defendant and any analyses developed from the crime scene evidence in the case for which the defendant is charged. This provision does not authorize access for the defendant to samples and analyses that were not developed in connection with his or her case (such as other offenders' DNA profiles). Nor does this provision in the Federal DNA Act authorize access for the defendant to all of the DNA records in the National DNA Index System.

16. Are there any sanctions for states that participate in the National DNA Index System if the state does not comply with the Federal DNA Identification Act?

Under the Federal DNA Identification Act, access to the National DNA Index System (NDIS) "is subject to cancellation if the quality control and privacy requirements described in subsection (b) are not met" (42 U.S.C .§14132(c)). This means that if an NDIS participating laboratory or state does not comply with the FBI Director's Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing or DNA Databasing Laboratories and/or the limited access provisions of the Federal DNA Act, that laboratory or state may lose its ability to search, store, and maintain its DNA records in NDIS.

DNA Data Requirements

17. What DNA data is accepted at NDIS?

Currently, DNA data generated through PCR Short Tandem Repeat (STR) technology, Y chromosome STR (Y STR) technology, and Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) technology are accepted at NDIS.

Y STR and mtDNA data are only searched with the missing person-related indexes.

The National DNA Index no longer searches DNA data developed using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technology.

18. Are there specific data requirements for the DNA records submitted to NDIS?

Yes. There are several requirements for the DNA data submitted to NDIS:

1. The DNA data must be generated in accordance with the FBI Director's Quality Assurance Standards;

2. The DNA data must be generated by a laboratory that is accredited by an approved accrediting agency;

3. The DNA data must be generated by a laboratory that undergoes an external audit every two years to demonstrate compliance with the FBI Director's Quality Assurance Standards;

4. The DNA data must be one of the categories of data acceptable at NDIS, such as convicted offender, arrestee, detainee, legal, forensic (casework), unidentified human remains, missing person, or a relative of missing person;

5. The DNA data must meet minimum CODIS Core Loci requirements for the specimen category;

6. The DNA PCR data must be generated using PCR accepted kits; and

7. Participating laboratories must have and follow expungement procedures in accordance with federal law.

19. What are the CODIS core loci?

Effective January 1, 2017, the CODIS Core Loci include the following 20 loci:

20. What are the minimum loci requirements for the STR DNA data submitted to NDIS?

The minimum CODIS Core Loci required for submission of DNA data to NDIS vary by specimen category. Generally, the CODIS Core Loci are required for submission of convicted offender, arrestee, detainee, and legal profiles. The CODIS Core Loci and Amelogenin are required for relatives of missing person profiles.

All CODIS Core Loci must be attempted for other specimen categories with the following limited exceptions:

For forensic DNA profiles, all CODIS Core Loci must be attempted but at least 8 of the original CODIS Core Loci combined with a match rarity of at least one in ten million are required for submission to and searching at NDIS.

For Missing Person and Unidentified Human Remains, all CODIS Core Loci must be attempted.

21. What are the requirements for submission of mtDNA data to NDIS?

Hypervariable region I ("HV1"; positions 16024-16365) and hypervariable region II ("HV2"; positions 73-340) are required for the submission of mtDNA data to NDIS.

22. Are there additional requirements for forensic (casework) DNA records?

Forensic (casework) DNA samples are considered crime scene evidence. To be classified as a forensic unknown record, the DNA sample must be attributed to the putative perpetrator. Items taken directly from the suspect are considered deduced suspect samples, not forensic unknowns, and are not eligible for upload to NDIS.

23. Are there any additional requirements for missing persons-related DNA records?

For missing person, relatives of missing person, and unidentified human (remains) samples, additional DNA technologies (such as mtDNA, Y STR) should always be considered, as appropriate. For purposes of this discussion, "as appropriate" means if relevant. For example, if the missing person is a female, then Y STR technology would not be relevant. The lack of an additional technology will not render a sample ineligible for entry into CODIS but use of an additional appropriate technology will ensure the most robust search possible.

Additionally, creation of a Pedigree Tree for the missing persons-related DNA record is strongly encouraged. A Pedigree Tree is a graphical representation of the relationship of the missing person with two or more relatives. The more robust Pedigree Trees have at least one relative that is a biological mother, biological father, or biological child of the missing person.

24. What are the expungement requirements?

Laboratories participating in the National DNA Index are required to expunge qualifying profiles from the National Index under the following circumstances:

1. For convicted offenders, if the participating laboratory receives a certified copy of a final court order documenting the conviction has been overturned; and

2. For arrestees, if the participating laboratory receives a certified copy of a final court order documenting the charge has been dismissed, resulted in an acquittal, or no charges have been brought within the applicable time period.

NDIS Searches

25. How is the National DNA Index System (NDIS) searched?

Currently, the Forensic Unknown Index is searched against the Offender Indices at high stringency with one mismatch. High stringency is defined as a search that requires all alleles to match between the two DNA profiles.

DNA profiles obtained from crime scene evidence may also be partially degraded and/or contain DNA from more than one individual and as a result, may contain fewer than the required CODIS Core Loci. These DNA profiles are maintained in the Forensic Partial and Forensic Mixture Indices, respectively. The Forensic Partial and Forensic Mixture Indices are searched against the Offender Indices at moderate stringency-a search that requires all alleles to match, but the two DNA profiles can contain a different number of alleles.

These high and moderate stringency searches are designed to accommodate the fact that different typing kits may be used in generating the DNA profile, the DNA sample from the crime scene evidence may be degraded, or multiple individuals may be represented in the sample. They assist in facilitating the identification of high quality candidate matches between the crime scene and offender DNA profiles.

26. Are there any plans to change how NDIS is searched?

The FBI consistently researches ways to improve how NDIS is searched.

On May 1, 2016, the FBI implemented an enhanced search strategy at the national level (NDIS). As noted above, because crime scene samples may be partially degraded and/or contain DNA from more than one individual, a forensic DNA sample may not yield interpretable results at all of the CODIS Core Loci. Historically, a forensic profile required a minimum of 10 of the original CODIS Core Loci to be searched at NDIS. The new searching strategy is designed to search more efficiently and use all information from the DNA profile by considering both the number of DNA loci present and the calculated match rarity of a DNA profile.

Effective May 1, 2016, the NDIS Operational Procedures authorized the uploading to and searching at NDIS, of a forensic DNA profile having a minimum of 8 of the original CODIS Core Loci combined with a match rarity of at least one in ten million. Using this new threshold, profiles never searched before at the National level are now eligible. This shift in scoring will result in many new matches, and the matches will be of high quality. Some profiles that do not meet the new rarity requirement will be removed from NDIS, however the high quality matches will allow labs to process potential matches quicker and submit those leads to law enforcement agencies.

New searching enhancements will be implemented with the deployment of CODIS 8.0 in late 2018 and early 2019. These new searching enhancements will build on the 2016 enhancements mentioned above and will allow some of the unsolved profiles removed in 2016 to be reentered into NDIS. The new capabilities will also assist in searching and matching challenging forensic DNA profiles from past and future cases.

Partial Matches and Familial Searches

27. Is searching at moderate stringency a form of familial searching?

No. Conducting a moderate stringency search is an effective means of searching forensic profiles from crime scene evidence that contains DNA from more than one individual (a forensic mixture), forensic DNA that is partially degraded, or to accommodate the use of different DNA typing kits by different laboratories. This should not be confused with attempting to search for similar, but not matching, profiles already stored within the National DNA Index System, a type of database searching the FBI does not conduct.

28. What is a partial match at NDIS?

A: Occasionally a partial match between a forensic profile and an offender profile is observed during a routine NDIS database search. The FBI defines a partial match as a moderate stringency candidate match between two single source profiles having at each locus all of the alleles of one sample represented in the other sample (see illustration below). A "partial match" is not an exact match of the two profiles. When evaluating whether a candidate match is viable and should be processed through to confirmation, a forensic scientist may discover that the candidate offender profile is, in fact, excluded as the possible source of the profile obtained from crime scene evidence. Because of a similarity in alleles between the forensic unknown and the candidate offender profile, the scientist may conclude that a close biological relative of the offender may be the source of the forensic unknown.

29. Can partial match information at NDIS be disclosed?

Since a partial match is not an exact profile match to an offender profile and therefore cannot be subject to NDIS-defined confirmation procedures, the FBI has authorized procedures for the release of partial match information. NDIS laboratories that identify a partial match resulting from an NDIS search and wish to identify the offender profile should refer to Appendix G of the NDIS Operational Procedures Manual and contact the FBI's CODIS Unit for further information.

30. Is there any guidance on how to address these partial matches?

31. How successful are partial matches at locating potential suspects?

As explained in SWGDAM's recommendations "Moderate stringency CODIS matches, in general, have very low efficiency in locating true relatives in offender databases. There is little useful probative value in the majority of partial matches using the current CODIS searching rules and algorithms. There are two main reasons for this: (1) true siblings will very rarely share alleles at all CODIS core loci; (2) as offender DNA databases get large, the number of unrelated people that do share at least one allele at all loci increases very rapidly. The original intent for allowing moderate stringency CODIS searches was the realization and acknowledgment that crime scene profiles often may be partially degraded and/or contain DNA from more than one contributor. Additionally, different primer sets may have been used between profiles. Allowing the detection of partial matches can help accommodate these two scenarios and allow the ultimate detection of full, high-stringency matches that might otherwise not have been found." The Committee's complete list of recommendations is available at http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/lab/forensic-science-communications/fsc/archive/oct2009/standard_guidlines/swgdam.html (with correction at http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/lab/forensic-science-communications/fsc/communications/swgdamv3/swgdam.html).

32. Are partial matches the same as familial searches?

No. A partial match, as indicated above, is the spontaneous product of a routine database search where a candidate offender profile is not identical to the forensic profile but because of a similarity in the number of alleles shared between the forensic profile and the candidate profile, the offender may be a close biological relative of the source of the forensic profile. Familial searching is an intentional or deliberate search of the database conducted after a routine search for the purpose of potentially identifying close biological relatives of the unknown forensic sample associated with the crime scene profile.

33. Are familial searches performed at NDIS?

No, familial searching is not currently performed at NDIS. See also Familial Searching and Federal Register Vol. 73, No. 238 (December 10, 2008 at page 74937).

34. Are familial searches performed at the state level?

Each jurisdiction must determine whether or not they are authorized to perform familial searching, and if so, the criteria and procedures governing their use of this searching process. The FBI does not regulate this type of search at the state level. Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming currently perform familial searching (see, for example, policies/procedures available at http://ag.ca.gov/cms_attachments/press/pdfs/n1548_08-bfs-01.pdf and Colorado Bureau of Investigation - DNA Familial Search Policy). Please note that these jurisdictions use specially-designed software (not CODIS software) to perform familial searching of their databases. Two jurisdictions, Maryland (§ 2-506) and the District of Columbia (§ 22-4151), have passed laws specifically prohibiting familial searching. These laws are available at http://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2010/public-safety/title-2/subtitle-5/2-506/ and http://law.justia.com/codes/district-of-columbia/2012/division-iv/title-22/subtitle-iii-a/chapter-41b/section-22-4151.html, respectively.

Additional information about familial searching can be found on the CODIS homepage.

Expert Systems

35. What are Expert Systems and are they approved for use in generating DNA data for NDIS?

An Expert System is a software program or set of software programs that interprets the data generated from a DNA analysis instrument (or platform) in accordance with laboratory-defined quality assurance rules and accurately identifies the data that does and does not satisfy such rules. Portions of the technical review required by the FBI Director's Quality Assurance Standards may be accomplished by an NDIS-approved and internally-validated Expert System.

The following Expert Systems are approved for use on offender samples and known reference samples at NDIS. There are no Expert Systems approved for use on casework (forensic unknown) samples.

NDIS-Approved Expert Systems

If you have a question concerning a specific Expert System, please contact the FBI's CODIS Unit.

PCR STR Kits

36. What are the PCR kits accepted for use at NDIS?

The following PCR kits are accepted for use at NDIS and contain the 20 CODIS Core Loci required effective January 1, 2017 (listed by manufacturer):

AB GlobalFiler™Express (Part Numbers 4474665 & 4476609)

AB GlobalFiler™ (Part Number 4476135)

Promega PowerPlex® Fusion (Catalog numbers DC 2402/2408)

Promega PowerPlex® Fusion 6C (Catalog numbers DC 2705/2720)

QIAGEN Investigator 24plex QS (Catalog numbers 382415/382417)

QIAGEN Investigator 24plex GO! (Catalog numbers 382426/382428)

Thermo Fisher Scientific VeriFiler Express™ (Catalog Numbers A32014, A32070, A33032)

Verogen ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep Kit (TG-450-1001/TG-450-1002) (see NDIS Procedures for additional information)

Following are the most frequently used PCR kits for the Original CODIS Core Loci and CODIS Core Loci accepted at NDIS (listed by manufacturer):

Applied Biosystems (AB) AmpFlSTR®Profiler Plus® (Part Number 4303326)

AB AmpFlSTR®COfiler® (Part Number 4305246)

AB AmpFlSTR®Profiler Plus® and AmpFlSTR®COfiler® (Part Number 4305979)

AB AmpFlSTR®Profiler Plus®ID (Part Number 4330284)

AB AmpFlSTR®Profiler Plus®ID and AmpFlSTR®COfiler® (Part Number 4330621)

AB AmpFlSTR®Identifiler® (Part Number 4322288)

AB AmpFlSTR®Identifiler® Direct (Part Number 4408580)

AB AmpFlSTR®Identifiler® Plus (Part Number 4427368)

Promega PowerPlex®1.1 (Catalog numbers DC 6091/6090)

Promega PowerPlex®1.2 (Catalog numbers DC 6101/6100)

Promega PowerPlex®2.1 (Catalog numbers DC 6471/6470)

Promega PowerPlex®16 (Catalog numbers DC 6531/6530)

Promega PowerPlex®16 BIO (Catalog numbers DC 6541/6540)

Promega PowerPlex®16 HS (Catalog numbers DC 2100/2101)

Promega PowerPlex®18 D (Catalog numbers DC 1802/1808)

Promega PowerPlex® Fusion (Catalog numbers DC 2402/2408)

Promega PowerPlex® Fusion 6C (Catalog numbers DC 2705/2720/2780)

AB AmpFlSTR® MiniFiler™ (Part Number 4373872)

AB AmpFlSTR® Yfiler® (Part Number 4373872)

AB AmpFlSTR® Yfiler Plus® (Catalog Numbers 4484678 and 4482730)

Promega Powerplex® Y (Catalog numbers 6760/6761)

Promega Powerplex® Y23 (Catalog numbers DC2305/DC2320)

AB GlobalFiler™Express (Part Numbers 4474665 & 4476609)

AB GlobalFiler™ (Part Number 4476135)

QIAGEN Investigator 24plex QS (Catalog numbers 382415/382417)

QIAGEN Investigator 24plex GO! (Catalog numbers 382426/382428)

Thermo Fisher Scientific VeriFiler Express™ (Catalog Numbers A32014, A32070, A33032)

Verogen ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep Kit (TG-450-1001/TG-450-1002) (see NDIS Procedures for additional information)

Promega PowerSeq™ CRM Nested System (Catalog # AX5810) (see NDIS Procedures for additional information)

Thermo Fisher Scientific Applied Biosystems™ Precision ID mtDNA Whole Genome Panel (Catalog Number A30938) mtDNA control region data is approved for NDIS

If you have a question concerning a specific PCR kit, please contact the FBI's CODIS Unit.

37. What is the process for PCR kits, loci, and Expert Systems to be approved for use at NDIS?

Laboratories that participate in the National DNA Index and who have validated the kits, loci, or Expert Systems in their facilities may request that the FBI approve the kits, loci, or Expert Systems. The validation data and other supporting documentation must accompany the request.

International Searches

38. How are international DNA databases searched?

Requests for a search of an international DNA database should be directed to your state CODIS administrator. The state administrator will forward the request to their state liaison Interpol contact. Those requesting an international search must use the Interpol DNA Profile Search Request Form available at http://www.interpol.int/INTERPOL-expertise/Forensics/DNA.

39. Can the National DNA Index System be searched by international agencies?

An international law enforcement agency may submit a request for a search of the National DNA Index either through the FBI's legal attaché responsible for that jurisdiction or through Interpol. Requests for such a search will be reviewed by the NDIS Custodian to ensure compliance with the Federal DNA Identification Act (criminal justice agency status, authorized specimen category, and participation in quality assurance program) as well as the inclusion of a sufficient number of CODIS Core Loci for effective searching.

Outsourcing Offender/Arrestee or Casework Samples

40. Are there specific requirements for outsourcing offender/arrestee or casework samples?

Requirements for the outsourcing of DNA samples are contained in Standard 17 of the Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing and DNA Databasing Laboratories. For law enforcement agencies seeking to outsource offender and/or casework samples, the technical specifications of the outsourcing agreement must have the prior approval of the technical leader of the NDIS participating laboratory that will be entering that DNA data into CODIS. At a minimum, the outsourced laboratory must follow the FBI's Quality Assurance Standards and be accredited.

Standard 17 of the Quality Assurance Standards also requires the completion of an on-site visit of the vendor laboratory prior to the beginning of the outsourced analyses and a technical review of the outsourced DNA records by the NDIS participating laboratory. Please refer to the FBI's Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing and DNA Databasing Laboratories for additional information concerning the use of contract employees to perform the technical review of DNA records.

Quality Assurance Standards

41. What are the Quality Assurance Standards?

Compliance with the Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) issued by the FBI Director is required by federal law in order for a laboratory to participate in and contribute DNA records to the National DNA Index System.

The QAS describe the minimum standards for a laboratory's quality program if performing forensic DNA analysis and/or databasing. The minimum standards cover the following areas: organization, personnel, facilities, evidence or sample control, validation, analytical procedures, equipment calibration and maintenance, reports, review, proficiency testing, corrective action, audits, safety, and outsourcing. For example, the Standards require that DNA examiners undergo external proficiency testing on a semiannual basis.

42. Do the approved accrediting agencies use the Quality Assurance Standards?

The approved accrediting agencies use the FBI's Quality Assurance Standards when performing audits of forensic DNA and databasing laboratories.

43. What is the most recent version of the Quality Assurance Standards?

The Quality Assurance Standards were revised in 2020 and the revisions were effective July 1, 2020. An addendum to the QAS relating to the COVID-19 national emergency took effect on July 1, 2020. Links to the Quality Assurance Standards and Audit Documents can be found on the CODIS homepage.

For progress updates on Rapid DNA, as the FBI works to establish the proper foundation for using this technology through validation, guidelines, training, etc., please see the Rapid DNA Analysis page.

National Missing Person Program

44. How is an individual identified using the DNA from the family of a missing person?

The DNA from close relatives can help in establishing a DNA profile for the missing person. DNA is passed from parents to their children so the most beneficial samples for this purpose are those from a biological mother, father, brothers, sisters, or children. In situations where samples from children of a missing parent are collected, the spouse or parent in common should also be considered for collection in order to determine what portion of the child's DNA is in common with the missing parent. The samples collected from relatives are sent to an accredited forensic laboratory for DNA testing. The DNA profiles obtained from the relatives' samples are submitted to the FBI's National DNA Index System (NDIS), also referred to as the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), solely for the comparison to DNA profiles obtained from unidentified persons or remains.

Relatives of a missing person may voluntarily provide DNA samples. These samples are known as Family Reference Samples. Law enforcement agencies, involved in an active missing person case (case in which a missing person report has been filed), are encouraged to collect Family Reference Samples from two or more close biological relatives of the missing person and obtain a consent form signed by the contributing relative to document that the DNA samples were given voluntarily.

45. What are the requirements for the collection of Family Reference Samples for entry and searching in NDIS?

Relatives of a missing person must be willing to provide a DNA sample and sign a consent form in the presence of law enforcement. Only DNA samples collected voluntarily from relatives of a missing person are eligible for searching in NDIS. Those profiles will be used only for identifying a missing person or remains. (34 U.S.C. § 12592(a)(4)).

Law enforcement personnel must witness the voluntary collection of the Family Reference Samples and a consent and information form must be completed and signed by the person providing the DNA sample. The identity of the contributor providing the DNA sample must be verified by law enforcement (e.g., through presentation of an appropriate government-issued identification card). Family reference samples which are not submitted by law enforcement and with the appropriate documentation will not be accepted for entry into NDIS.

46. What is the purpose of the consent and information form?

34 U.S.C. §12592(a)(4) authorized the FBI to establish an index of DNA profiles developed from DNA samples voluntarily contributed by relatives of missing persons. The consent form documents that the DNA sample was voluntarily contributed and provides permission for inclusion in CODIS for the sole purpose of identifying a missing person or recovered remains. It also indicates where, by whom, and how the Family Reference Sample was collected. Additional information related to the missing person such as metadata is collected on the form to assist with resolving possible associations between relatives and unidentified persons.

47. How will the DNA information contributed by a relative of a missing person be used?

Following 34 U.S.C. §12592 (b)(3)(A), the DNA information will be released only to criminal justice agencies for identification purposes and for comparison to DNA profiles related to the disappearance of individuals indexed in the missing persons database. The DNA profiles obtained from the Family Reference Samples will only be searched against the DNA profiles from unidentified persons stored at NDIS.

48. How long is the DNA profile stored in the database?

The DNA records of relatives of a missing person will remain in NDIS and be searched against missing persons and unidentified human remains profiles until one of the following happens: (1) the missing person has been identified; or (2) the family member who voluntarily provided the DNA sample is determined not to be related to the missing person; or (3) the family member who voluntarily provided the DNA sample requests in writing that it be removed.

After an identification is confirmed, the DNA profiles from the relatives of a missing person are removed from the database. In the event of only partial remains being located and identified, laboratory personnel may decide to allow the Family Reference Samples to remain in the database to assist with possible future recoveries. The family member who voluntarily provided the DNA sample may request in writing that the DNA profile be removed from NDIS at any time.

49. How is an identification established?

Once a potential association is found, the results are provided to the law enforcement agency and the appropriate medico-legal (usually a medical examiner or coroner) authority. Only the designated medico-legal authority can declare the identity through the issuance of a death certificate.

50. Can DNA profiles from foreign nationals whose family members have gone missing in the United States be added to NDIS?

Foreign nationals can be added to NDIS for the purpose of assisting with the identification of a missing family member. The DNA Identification Act of 1994 does not limit the entry of a voluntarily provided Family Reference Sample based on the nationality of the donor. However, any voluntarily provided DNA sample must be collected in the presence of law enforcement and include the appropriate consent and information documentation.

51. Can a private laboratory enter a DNA profile from an unidentified person or a Family Reference Sample into NDIS?

Private laboratories do not have access to NDIS. Private laboratories must work in partnership with an NDIS participating laboratory in order to meet requirements for the outsourcing of casework samples contained in Standard 17 of the Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing and DNA Databasing Laboratories.

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CODIS and NDIS Fact Sheet | Federal Bureau of Investigation

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Please note that these questions and responses refer specifically to the National DNA Index System; state DNA databases operate in accordance with the applicable state law, and questions concerning the operation of a particular state DNA database should be directed to that state.

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http://www.biometricsinstitute.org/pages/types-of-biometrics.html-https://www.fbi.gov/services/laboratory/biometric-analysis/codis/codis-and-ndis-fact-sheet-http://www.tridentbiometrics.com/

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CODIS is the acronym for the Combined DNA Index System and is the generic term used to describe the FBI’s program of support for criminal justice DNA databases as well as the software used to run these databases. The National DNA Index System or NDIS is considered one part of CODIS, the national level, containing the DNA profiles contributed by federal, state, and local participating forensic laboratories.

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The Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS, blends forensic science and computer technology into a tool for linking violent crimes. It enables federal, state, and local forensic laboratories to exchange and compare DNA profiles electronically, thereby linking serial violent crimes to each other and to known offenders. Using the National DNA Index System of CODIS, the National Missing Persons DNA Database also helps identify missing and unidentified individuals.

Overview

CODIS generates investigative leads in cases where biological evidence is recovered from the crime scene. Matches made among profiles in the Forensic Index can link crime scenes together, possibly identifying serial offenders. Based upon a match, police from multiple jurisdictions can coordinate their respective investigations and share the leads they developed independently. Matches made between the Forensic and Offender Indexes provide investigators with the identity of suspected perpetrators. Since names and other personally identifiable information are not stored at NDIS, qualified DNA analysts in the laboratories sharing matching profiles contact each other to confirm the candidate match.

History

The FBI Laboratory's CODIS began as a pilot software project in 1990, serving 14 state and local laboratories. The DNA Identification Act of 1994 formalized the FBI's authority to establish a National DNA Index System (NDIS) for law enforcement purposes. Today, over 190 public law enforcement laboratories participate in NDIS across the United States. Internationally, more than 90 law enforcement laboratories in over 50 countries use the CODIS software for their own database initiatives.

Mission

The CODIS Unit manages CODIS and NDIS. It is responsible for developing, providing, and supporting the CODIS program to federal, state, and local crime laboratories in the United States and selected international law enforcement crime laboratories to foster the exchange and comparison of forensic DNA evidence from violent crime investigations. The CODIS Unit also provides administrative management and support to the FBI for various advisory boards, Department of Justice grant programs, and legislation regarding DNA.

The Team

Program managers, forensics system program managers, biologists, auditors, management and program analysts, and paralegal specialists.

The Future

Through the combination of increased federal funding and expanded database laws, such as the DNA Fingerprint Act of 2005, the number of profiles in NDIS has and will continue to dramatically increase, resulting in a need to re-architect the CODIS software. A considerable focus during this time will be to enhance kinship analysis software for use in identifying missing persons. This next generation of CODIS will utilize STR and mtDNA information as well as metadata (such as sex, date of last sighting, age, etc.) to help in the identification of missing persons. The re-architecture will also enable CODIS to include additional DNA technologies, such a Y Short Tandem Repeat (Y-STR) and mini-Short Tandem Repeat (miniSTR). The FBI Laboratory is committed to the support of the CODIS program. With the continued cooperation and collaboration of legislative bodies and all components of the criminal justice community-law enforcement, crime laboratories, victims, prosecutors, and the judiciary-the future of DNA, CODIS, and NDIS holds even greater promise to solve crime and identify missing persons.

The responsibilities of the FBI and the National DNA Index System participants are explained in this manual.

Frequently asked questions about the CODIS program and the National DNA Index System.

The National DNA Index System's statistical information broken down by state and other NDIS participants.

Learn more about Rapid DNA analysis, including the FBI's efforts to integrate it into the booking station process.

Quality Assurance

The DNA Identification Act of 1994 required the formation of a panel of distinguished professionals, from the public and private sectors, to address issues relevant to forensic DNA applications. This panel, titled the DNA Advisory Board (DAB), first convened in 1995. An early mission of the DAB was to develop and implement quality assurance standards for use by forensic DNA testing laboratories. The scope was quickly expanded to include forensic DNA databasing laboratories as well. The DAB fulfilled this role, recommending separate documents detailing quality assurance standards for both applications.

The Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories and the Quality Assurance Standards for DNA Databasing Laboratories were first issued by the Director of the FBI in October 1998 and April 1999, respectively. Both documents have become benchmarks for assessing the quality practices and performances of DNA laboratories throughout the country. When the DAB's statutory term expired, it transferred responsibility for recommending revisions of these quality assurance standards to the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM).

The DNA Identification Act of 1994 also required that the FBI Laboratory ensure all DNA laboratories that are federally operated, receive federal funds, or participate in the National DNA Index System (NDIS) demonstrate compliance with the standards issued by the FBI. Typically, documentation of a laboratory's compliance with a stated standard has been measured through an audit process. Such audits have been performed by forensic scientists, either internal or external to the laboratory, and serve to identify compliance with established standards.

The audit document defines and interprets each standard, with added discussion points clarifying the criteria necessary for compliance. Additionally, the document is structured such that criteria, which overlap between the FBI-issued standards and the corresponding American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) elements, share a consistent interpretative view.

Active with the September 2011 audit documents and for audits conducted in accordance with the Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) effective September 1, 2011, separate audit documents will be used for forensic and databasing laboratories.

Please direct questions regarding training for the Quality Assurance Standards to QAS@fbi.gov.

QAS Revisions Effective September 1, 2011

Rapid DNA QAS Addenda Effective December 1, 2014

Planned Process and Timeline for Implementation of Additional CODIS Core Loci

Coinciding with the revision of the FBI Director's Quality Assurance Standards and an examination of the procedures for operation of the National DNA Index System (NDIS), the FBI Laboratory impaneled a CODIS Core Loci Working Group in May 2010 to evaluate the necessity for additional loci. Almost 12 years earlier, the FBI's original STR Standardization Project had recommended the 13 CODIS core loci required (and still being used) for DNA data uploaded to NDIS. Despite the different environments in which the original STR Project and the current working group were and are operating, both recognized the importance of balancing the privacy issues attendant to storing genetic information with ensuring the effectiveness of CODIS to assist criminal investigations. Among its first tasks, the current working group recommended criteria for acceptance of any new CODIS loci, including no known association to medical conditions or defects (this refers to whether or not the loci is diagnostic of any known medical condition or disease status). ¹

In a letter to the editor of Forensic Science International Genetics announcing the proposed additional loci under consideration for CODIS, the working group identified the following three factors in support of expanding the current CODIS core loci: 1) facilitates greater discrimination, 2) assists in missing person investigations, and 3) encourages international data sharing efforts by having more loci in common with other countries for comparison purposes. ² The chairperson of the working group updated the DNA community on the selection of the potential additional CODIS core loci at the 22 nd International Symposium on Human Identification, the 15 th- 17 th National CODIS Conferences, the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes' 2011 DNA Working Group meetings, and the 2011 semiannual meetings of the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM). As the working group addressed the validation and implementation phases of the project, the attached process and timeline for determination of additional CODIS core loci were developed to keep the community apprised of the group's progress and provide an outline for what remained to be accomplished. The working group held discussions with STR kit manufacturers (subject to non-disclosure agreements) on the development of STR kits that incorporate some or all of these proposed loci. Additionally, the working group identified the following statutory and operational requirements for adding new loci:

The Federal DNA Identification Act of 1994 [42 U.S.C. §14132] requires compliance with the quality assurance standards issued by the FBI Director. The Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing and DNA Databasing Laboratories define the minimum requirements for validation.

The Justice for All Act [Pub. Law 108-405 §203(f)] requires that the Department of Justice provide Congress with notice of the proposed use of new core markers 180 days in advance of any such implementation.

Operational Procedures for the National DNA Index System (NDIS) also contain minimum criteria for approval of additional loci or kits that will be acceptable at NDIS, such as concordant studies, mixed samples, non-probative samples, population studies, and precision studies.

Process for Determination of Additional CODIS Core Loci

Selection of Laboratories to Participate in Validation Studies

Based upon recommendations from the CODIS Core Loci Working Group, the FBI will select laboratories representative of the forensic DNA community (i.e., casework, database, missing person, instrument platforms, kits, etc.), to participate in a validation project for the proposed CODIS core loci using criteria derived from the Quality Assurance Standards and NDIS Procedures.

Participating laboratories will be responsible for:

Management approval of participation agreement

Dedicated personnel for the length of the project

Instruments required for the validation

Samples for analysis

The FBI will be responsible for:

Costs of the STR kits used by participating laboratories

Definition and coordination of validation experiments, data evaluation, and assessment

Validation of Proposed Additional CODIS Core Loci

Congress will be notified of the proposed additional CODIS core loci.

Participating laboratories will conduct validation experiments/studies in accordance with the Quality Assurance Standards.

Successful validation efforts will be dependent on as-yet-undetermined factors, such as:

Ability of kit manufacturers to make robust versions of kits available for purchase

Ability to include additional loci within existing 5-dye chemistry

Ability to configure existing instruments to run 6-dye chemistry

Separate validation tracks for casework and known database samples

Availability of federal funding

Compilation, review, and evaluation of validation results.

Feedback to kit manufacturers and incorporation of any resulting changes to kits in the validation plan.

Publication or posting of the validation results.

Ongoing progress reports to DNA community and other stakeholders.

Selection of CODIS Core Loci

Input will be obtained from, and progress reports provided to, the DNA community and other stakeholders.

Assessment and selection of new CODIS core loci will be performed.

Implementation of New CODIS Core Loci into NDIS Operations

The DNA community will be involved in review and development of the following:

Ongoing progress reports

Sufficient lead time necessary for implementation

Searching Strategies

Match Strategies

Confirmation Strategies

Congress will be notified of the new CODIS core loci required for upload and searching at NDIS.

Updated Timeline for Determination of Additional CODIS Core Loci

Twenty CODIS Core Loci

In early 2015, the FBI announced that the validation project for additional CODIS Core Loci had been completed and that an additional seven loci would be added to the CODIS Core effective January 1, 2017. ³ The additional seven loci-D1S1656, D2S441, D2S1338, D10S1248, D12S391, D19S433 and D22S1045-along with the original 13 loci, will comprise the new CODIS Core Loci. Below is a listing of the 20 CODIS Core Loci.

CSF1PO

D3S1358

D5S818

D7S820

D8S1179

D13S317

D16S539

D18S51

D21S11

FGA

TH01

TPOX

vWA

D1S1656 (effective January 1, 2017)

D2S441 (effective January 1, 2017)

D2S1338 (effective January 1, 2017)

D10S1248 (effective January 1, 2017)

D12S391 (effective January 1, 2017)

D19S433 (effective January 1, 2017)

D22S1045 (effective January 1, 2017)

Endnotes

¹ For the complete list of criteria, please refer to Expanding the CODIS Core Loci in the United States, D.R. Hares, Forensic Sci. Int. Genet. 6 (2012), e52-e54.

² This formal notification of the additional loci proposed by the working group for consideration as CODIS core loci was announced in the April 2011 on-line edition of Forensic Science International (FSI) Genetics and published in the January 2012 edition of FSI Genetics (D.R. Hares, Forensic Sci. Int. Genet. 6 (2012), e52-e54). An addendum (in press) is available online (D.R. Hares, Addendum to expanding the CODIS core loci in the United States, Forensic Sci. Int. Genet. (2012), doi:10.1016/j.fsigen.2012.01.003).

³ Selection and implementation of expanded CODIS core loci in the United States, D.R. Hares, Forensic Sci. Int. Genetics 17:33-34 (2015).

The FBI Laboratory's Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) blends forensic science and computer technology into an effective tool for solving crime.

The FBI Laboratory announced an expansion of the original 13 short tandem repeat (STR) loci that have been the core of NDIS since 1997. Seven additional STR loci have been selected and will be required for upload and searching of DNA profiles at NDIS effective January 1, 2017.

In response to new, commercially available amplification kits that expand the number of loci in a multiplex reaction, the FBI Laboratory has retyped certain population samples to establish allele distributions for the additional loci and is providing the amended allele frequency tables for use by anyone interested in performing comparisons with previously published data.

DNA Fingerprint Act of 2005, Expungement Policy
Expungement of DNA Records in Accordance with 42 U.S.C. 14132(d)(1)(A)
These procedures are intended for expungement of DNA records resulting from a conviction for a qualifying federal or District of Columbia offense, as defined in 42 U.S.C. 14132(d)(1)(B) or resulting from an arrest under the authority of the United States. An expungement is the complete removal of a DNA profile from the National DNA Index System and the destruction of the associated DNA sample(s) (e.g., liquid blood sample, FTA card, non-FTA card, buccal collection device, extracted DNA, amplified DNA).

These procedures do not apply to the expungement from the National DNA Index System of DNA records resulting from state or Department of Defense convictions or arrests. Individuals who wish for information on how to expunge a state arrest or conviction should contact the appropriate state or the Department of Defense.

1. In order to request expungement of DNA records under 42 U.S.C. 14132(d)(1)(A), you or your legal representative must submit a written request to the following address:

Federal Bureau of Investigation
Laboratory Division
2501 Investigation Parkway
Quantico, VA 22135
Attention: Federal DNA Database Unit

2. If your request is for expungement of DNA records resulting from a conviction for a qualifying federal or District of Columbia offense, you must include, for each conviction, a certified copy of a final court order establishing that the conviction has been overturned.

3. If your request is for expungement of DNA records resulting from an arrest under the authority of the United States, you must include, for each charge for which your DNA record was or could have been included in the national DNA index, a certified copy of a final court order establishing that such charge has been dismissed, has resulted in an acquittal, or that no charge was filed within the applicable time period.

4. The copy of the court order must contain a certification that it is a true and accurate copy of the original court order and be signed and dated by an appropriate court official, such as a court clerk. The copy of the court order itself must be signed by a judge, be dated, and include sufficient identifying information (at a minimum the person's full name, social security number, and/or date of birth) to determine the identity of the person and the conviction offense that has been overturned, the charge that has been dismissed, the charge that resulted in an acquittal, or the arrest for which no charges were filed within the applicable time period.

If the written request does not include a copy of the final court order, the request will not be processed.

Familial searching is an additional search of a law enforcement DNA database conducted after a routine search has been completed and no profile matches are identified during the process. Unlike a routine database search, which may spontaneously yield partial match profiles, familial searching is a deliberate search of a DNA database conducted for the intended purpose of potentially identifying close biological relatives to the unknown forensic profile obtained from crime scene evidence. Familial searching is based on the concept that first-order relatives, such as siblings or parent/child relationships, will have more genetic data in common than unrelated individuals. Practically speaking, familial searching would only be performed if the comparison of the forensic DNA profile with the known offender/arrestee DNA profiles has not identified any matches to any of the offenders/arrestees.

Familial searching is often confused with what occurs when a partial match results from the routine search of the DNA database. A partial match is the spontaneous product of a regular database search where a candidate offender profile is identified as not being identical to the forensic profile but, because of a similarity in the number of alleles shared between the two profiles, the offender may be a close biological relative of the source of the forensic profile.

While familial searching is now being performed in several jurisdictions in the United States, the United Kingdom has the most experience conducting familial searching of their National DNA Database. Since 2003, the UK has conducted approximately 200 familial searches resulting in investigative information used to help solve approximately 40 serious crimes (as of May 2011). The UK has developed detailed protocols for familial searches that include an approval process, considerations for prioritization, research of family history, and training of law enforcement officers. One of the key components responsible for the effectiveness of the UK's system is that the search is not based upon genetics alone. Age and, more importantly, geographic location are combined with the genetic data to produce a ranked list of potential relatives of the unknown forensic profile.

In considering whether familial searching should be implemented in your jurisdiction, it is important to recognize that a relative must already be in the database in order for the search to identify them as a potential relative of the forensic profile. It should be noted that even if a relative is in the database, it is possible that the relative may not be included in the ranked list produced by the familial search. For example, California's validation of their familial searching protocol showed that approximately 93% of fathers and 61% of full siblings were identified by their familial search procedure using the CODIS 13 core loci in searching a database of approximately one million DNA profiles (96% of fathers and 72% of full siblings were identified using 15 loci). However, regardless of whether or not a relative is in the database, a familial search will always generate a ranked list of potential candidates for evaluation.

Familial searching is not currently conducted at the national level or performed by the National DNA Index System [see Federal Register Vol. 73, No. 238 (December 10, 2008, at page 74937)]. To evaluate the feasibility of familial searching at the national level, the FBI's CODIS Unit sought input from the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) on specific questions relating to the efficiency of kinship matching compared to counting shared alleles, false positives and optimal database size, and optimal number of ranked candidates for the 10 million DNA profile database. SWGDAM provided the CODIS Unit with the following recommendations: (1) the use of kinship LRs is the preferred method for familial searching; (2) ranked lists should be reviewed since the true relative is not always ranked as the #1 candidate, and additional filters should be used to reduce the number of false positives; and, (3) since it is difficult to establish a threshold ranking for review of a ranked list when searching a database of over 10 million records when additional filters of metadata, geography, and Y-STR testing may not be available, routine familial searching at the national level is not recommended at this time.

While familial searching is not performed at the national level, the following states currently perform familial searching at the state level: Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Familial searching can help solve certain cases when applied properly. States considering familial searching may wish to review the discussion topics below as a starting point. Additionally, the "Recommendations from the SWGDAM Ad Hoc Working Group on Familial Searching" provide more information on this topic, including an appendix on their familial searching studies.

Discussion Topics for States Considering Familial Searching

Authority:
Consider the applicable state laws and regulations governing the DNA databasing program to determine the best legal approach. Because many state laws are silent on the issue of familial searching, it is important to have a full legal review to evaluate whether familial searching is authorized in your jurisdiction. Those states which have adopted or rejected familial searching have done so under a variety of authorities:
Several states perform familial searching with the approval of state officials-for example, California implemented its familial search program with the approval of the state attorney general. Other jurisdictions have implemented familial searching based upon an administrative determination or laboratory policy. Two jurisdictions, Maryland and the District of Columbia, currently prohibit, by law, the use of familial searching.

Resources:

Staff

Implementation of a successful familial search program takes time and requires significant resources and staff. Personnel with an expertise in kinship comparisons are necessary.

Consider forming a task force to review requests for familial searches as well as to evaluate the familial search results. Such a task force should include laboratory personnel as well as law enforcement personnel and/or prosecutors, who are authorized to access criminal history records for researching background information on potential candidates.

Because the results generated by familial searching are not the same as CODIS matches, it is important to train law enforcement personnel on the appropriate follow-up, including additional investigative work.

Software

The current version of CODIS software does not have the capability to efficiently search and return information for familial searching. The states that conduct familial DNA searches use specially-designed software (not CODIS) to conduct these searches.

As with implementation of any new software, validation is required before use of such software in laboratory operations. Any validation must be conducted in accordance with Standard 8 of the FBI's Quality Assurance Standards.

Develop standard operating protocols (SOPs) for familial searching prior to implementation of a familial search program.

Policies and procedures should be developed and approved prior to implementation and address, at a minimum, the following:

Privacy considerations

Release of information

Criteria for familial search requests:

Types of crimes eligible for searching

Types of forensic DNA records eligible for searching

If all other investigative leads must first be exhausted

Approval by task force, board, laboratory management, etc.

Processes for familial search:

Type of DNA records to be searched (e.g., offenders only, offenders and arrestees

Frequency of searches

Use of additional filters for search results (e.g., YSTR testing, metadata)

Reporting of search results

Missing Person Comparison Request

The FBI administers the National Missing Person DNA Database (NMPDD) as part of the National DNA Index System (NDIS). The NMPDD compares DNA records stored in the Missing Person, Relatives of Missing Person, and Unidentified Human Remains Indexes of NDIS.

Sufficient DNA data from both the human remains and the relatives of the missing person are needed to produce a statistically significant database association involving DNA profiles in a missing persons case. In order to maximize the potential for such associations, as much genetic information as possible should be requested and obtained in a missing person investigation. This may be accomplished by:

Collecting DNA samples from multiple relatives. Any relative of the missing person offering to provide a DNA sample should have a sample collected. The laboratory will assist in determining which samples should be analyzed and databased;

Requesting mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis on at least one maternal relative for all missing person cases, regardless of gender;

Requesting YSTR analysis on at least one paternal relative if the missing person is a male; and

Requesting mtDNA analysis on all unidentified human remains and YSTR analysis on male remains.

However, despite these efforts, when limited genetic information is available, associations may not be possible through database searches. Circumstances that may prevent a database association from occurring include:

The DNA data has not been uploaded to NMPDD/NDIS;

Insufficient STR results were obtained from the human remains;

The resulting DNA data contains a mtDNA or YSTR haplotype that is relatively common in the relevant population; or

There is diminished allele sharing between relatives and remains when first-degree relatives (e.g., parents, offspring, or siblings) are not available to provide a sample.

If a law enforcement agency investigating a case believes that a particular set of remains may be those of a specific missing person, a request for a manual comparison may be warranted. A manual comparison is a direct comparison of the DNA data obtained from specific missing person-related records outside of the routine NMPDD searches. Known reference DNA records, such as offender and arrestee DNA records, are generally not subject to retrieval from CODIS for manual comparison purposes. Missing person reference DNA records, however, may be retrieved from DNA databases (CODIS) for manual comparison because these reference samples were obtained through a voluntary consent process and were contributed solely for the purpose of identifying a missing or unidentified person.

All requests for manual comparison shall be made by the investigating agency directly to the NDIS participating laboratory responsible for the missing person-related DNA records. Non-law enforcement agencies or organizations seeking manual comparisons should direct their requests to the appropriate investigating agency or medico-legal authority to ensure their involvement in this process. NDIS participating laboratories shall not consider a request for a manual comparison of missing person-related records submitted by a non-law enforcement agency or organization. When a laboratory receives a request for a manual comparison, all available information will be reviewed by the laboratory personnel. This includes not only the DNA data, but other case-specific information (metadata), such as the missing person's date of disappearance, the date the remains were found, the estimated age of the remains, the age of the missing person, and any other identifying features.

Using this information, the NDIS participating laboratory will determine whether a routine search of NMPDD would be expected to produce an association. Based upon this review, the laboratory may, in its discretion, deny the request for a manual comparison. If the genetic information from the human remains and/or relatives is limited, the laboratory may perform the comparison in accordance with its policies and protocols. When a manual comparison cannot exclude the possibility of a positive association, the laboratory will provide a report to the investigating agency that includes the appropriate kinship statistics.

If the DNA data for the human remains and reference samples are maintained by multiple NDIS participating laboratories, the laboratories will collaborate to exchange both DNA data and metadata. Once the comparison has been completed, the participating laboratories will ensure that all involved law enforcement agencies, medico-legal authorities, and laboratories are informed of the results.

Note: Please keep in mind that NDIS participating laboratories do not have the legal authority to declare or confirm the identity of human remains. That determination shall be made by the appropriate medico-legal authority (e.g., medical examiner or coroner).

Guidelines for Requesting a Missing Person Manual Comparison

1. All requests for missing person manual comparisons shall be submitted to the NDIS participating laboratory by the law enforcement agency or medico-legal authority responsible for the case.

2. Non-law enforcement agencies or organizations wishing additional information or a manual comparison shall submit the request to the law enforcement agency or medico-legal authority responsible for the case. That agency/authority will forward the request to the appropriate NDIS participating laboratory. NDIS participating laboratories shall not consider requests received directly from non-law enforcement agencies or organizations.

3. If the DNA data related to the case is maintained by multiple NDIS participating laboratories, the requesting agency shall make reasonable efforts to determine the laboratories involved and provide that information with the request for a manual comparison.

4. The NDIS participating laboratory/laboratories maintaining the relevant DNA profiles shall evaluate the data to determine, in its/their discretion, if a manual comparison is warranted. This evaluation shall include:

A comparison of metadata related to the individual reported missing and the human remains recovered; and

A review of the available DNA data for completeness, number of available references, and their relationship to the missing person.

5. In the event of a positive association, all law enforcement agencies and medico-legal authorities involved in the case shall be notified by an NDIS participating laboratory. These participating laboratories shall not provide laboratory reports or notifications to non-law enforcement agencies or organizations.

Questions regarding the Missing Persons program within the NDIS should be directed to the FBI Laboratory's CODIS Unit at 703-632-8315. Questions regarding a specific case or comparison should be directed to the NDIS participating laboratory that maintains the DNA data.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS, blends forensic science and computer technology into a tool for linking violent crimes. It enables federal, state, and local forensic laboratories to exchange and compare DNA profiles electronically, thereby linking serial violent crimes to each other and to known offenders.

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DNA-Chemical Bio-metric The identification of an individual using the analysis of segments from DNA.

Ear-Visual Bio-metric The identification of an individual using the shape of the ear.

Eyes - Iris Recognition-Visual Bio-metric The use of the features found in the iris to identify an individual

Eyes - Retina Recognition-Visual Bio-metric The use of patterns of veins in the back of the eye to accomplish recognition.

Face Recognition-Visual Bio-metric The analysis of facial features or patterns for the authentication or recognition of an individuals identity. Most face recognition systems either use eigenvalues or local feature analysis.

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MITRE is committed to advancing our sponsors' capabilities by leaps, not just incremental improvements.

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MITRE is committed to advancing our sponsors' capabilities by leaps, not just incremental improvements.

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For example, to reduce the operating costs and increase the processing speed of the fingerprint databases used at border crossings, we developed the Biometric Architecture Concept Evaluation, or BioACE, a working prototype funded by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM).

Our sponsors use biometrics, such as fingerprints or iris patterns, to determine the identities of foreign travelers. However, searching enormous databases currently requires proprietary systems that scale poorly to the demands of border security. Committed to discovering a better way, MITRE developed technology potentially 5 times faster and a tenth of the cost of DHS's most critical and costly fingerprint matching subsystem.

This capability, which began as a research project called the "3x2 Fingerprint Challenge," has evolved into BioACE. In 2010, Fast Company magazine recognized this MITRE work for its innovation.

Our staff created BioACE with low-cost off-the-shelf hardware using a mix of custom, open-source, and commercial software. Critical BioACE elements include coarse matching, filters, and fine matching via MITREmatcher, which scans large biometric identity databases to determine if any match the traveler's biometric signature.

We are now assessing performance and cost improvements through testing. MITRE is also patenting the technology and exploring how to transfer BioACE to government and industry.

Editor's Note: This story includes updates that reflect the 2013 creation of OBIM, which replaced the United States Visitor and Immigration Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT).

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For example, to reduce the operating costs and increase the processing speed of the fingerprint databases used at border crossings, we developed the Biometric Architecture Concept Evaluation, or BioACE, a working prototype funded by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM).

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‎ Biography - ‎ Bertillon and the Dreyfus ... - ‎ The Bertillon System - ‎ Legacy

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Bio-metric Analysis examples

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The initial meaning is life measurements in simplest terms, and it gives investigators more clarity about a certain pieces of life.