{"id":352327,"date":"2023-12-13T10:13:27","date_gmt":"2023-12-13T15:13:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/the-national-dna-database-system.html"},"modified":"2023-12-13T10:13:27","modified_gmt":"2023-12-13T15:13:27","slug":"the-national-dna-database-system","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/the-national-dna-database-system.html","title":{"rendered":"U.S. National DNA Database System"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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U.S. National DNA Database System<\/h1>\n
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\n By Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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The U.S. national DNA database system is an important criminal justice element for American law enforcement agencies. It allows law enforcement around the country to compare forensic DNA evidence.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Crime laboratory results for arrestees can be matched against a central repository of DNA information. With a simple swab, officers can better determine the identity of a suspect based on biological crime scene evidence. DNA typing is especially helpful when suspects cross state lines.<\/p>\r\n

The following is an overview of the U.S. national DNA database system<\/a>, including its beginnings and how it’s used by law enforcement. If you have concerns about criminal charges or your privacy rights, contact an attorney. <\/p>\r\n

Whose DNA Is in the National Database?<\/h2>\r\n

The database system contains DNA for a wide array of people. Convicted offenders aren’t the only subjects of DNA testing. The forensic laboratory DNA analysis database originally tracked only sex offenders, but it has expanded to include all people convicted of qualifying offenses under federal law.<\/p>\r\n

Some states and the federal government now go further. They have begun collecting DNA samples from people who have been arrested for a crime<\/a> but have not yet been convicted. These samples are used for investigative leads that might match with offender DNA.<\/p>\r\n

Suspects in criminal investigations and detained immigrants may also be subject to DNA data collection. When authorities in the criminal justice system are solving crimes, they might have suspects. Even innocent persons reasonably subjected to DNA testing are fair game. They may be charged with misdemeanors<\/a> for refusing to cooperate. This is especially true if a law enforcement officer has probable cause<\/a> or a court order<\/a> to investigate a crime.<\/p>\r\n

How the U.S. National DNA Database System Began<\/h2>\r\n

This program began as a pilot project of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The DNA Identification Act of 1994<\/a> funded federal DNA laboratories. It authorized the FBI to begin compiling genetic information into a central database.<\/p>\r\n

The Justice for All Act of 2004<\/a> expanded the number of crimes that qualified for inclusion in the database. It required public forensic science labs to receive accreditation. This would be needed before the national database would accept their DNA profiles.<\/p>\r\n

How the DNA Database Is Administered and Used<\/h2>\r\n

The national DNA database has many components. At its core is a database of DNA information and a set of software and communications tools. These tools are used for comparing data collected from different sources. The database is known as the National DNA Index System (NDIS). The system for analyzing and communicating data is called the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS)<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

The FBI administers both the NDIS and CODIS, but the DNA information contained in the national database comes from both the federal government and the states. The national DNA database system has three basic levels:<\/p>\r\n