The NJ Police Chief Magazine Volume 26, Number 2 | Page 7

The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | October 2019
Six Things Every Chief Should Know About the CODIS Program
Andrew A. DeMuth Jr., Manager, New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice CODIS Compliance Unit
Agency executives have a never-ending challenge of deciding where to spend their precious hours and minutes of
limited time. It’s not necessary for the chief to have an intimate knowledge of all parts of the CODIS program,
provided the agency has personnel skilled in crime scene processing, obtaining DNA reference samples, handling
DNA hits, etc.
But as the science and technology continue to advance, it is important that agency executives have a working
knowledge of certain aspects of the CODIS program so that they are prepared to answer questions from elected
officials, citizens, or members of the business community during meetings or public events. Such knowledge could
also be helpful when discussing investigations with subordinates and colleagues.
Below are six things every chief should know about the CODIS program.
What exactly is CODIS?
CODIS is a five-letter acronym for Combined DNA Index System. The program was launched in 1994 and is
administered and overseen by the FBI. The CODIS database houses DNA profiles, including samples taken from
offenders and from crime scenes. When a new DNA profile is generated (whether from an offender or a crime
scene), it is compared against the profiles already in the database. If there is a match, the lab notifies the
submitting agencies. That new profile will then be stored in the database. All samples collected at the local and
state level are stored in the state database (SDIS) and possibly the national database (NDIS) as well. It is
important to understand that CODIS is a national program governed by federal laws and regulations.
Where do DNA profiles in the CODIS database come from?
DNA can be found in biological evidence left at a crime scene, including but not limited to blood, hair, saliva, bone,
semen, tissue, skin cells, other bodily fluids, or articles that have come in contact with these items. DNA has also
been found on soda cans, disregarded cigarettes, gum, food, clothing, and other items left at crime scenes.
Taking DNA from an offender is accomplished by swabbing the inside of the offender’s cheeks and transferring
that sample onto a specially made card which is sent to the state lab for analysis.
When is DNA collection required in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, there are four times where DNA collection is required:
1. At the time of arrest for the commission or the attempt to commit (Criminal Attempt) any of the 42 qualifying
arrestee offenses (Refer to CODIS Compliance Unit reference materials.)
2. At the time of conviction for any indictable crime (1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th degree offense);
3. At the time of conviction for any of the 20 qualifying disorderly persons offenses (Refer to CODIS Compliance
Unit reference materials.);
4. When the DNA status field on the computerized criminal history (CCH), master name index (MNI), or Arrest
Notification CJIS Response reads “Collection Required.”
A DNA collection would also be required when an agency receives a hit notification from the lab. Hit notifications/
letters are actionable investigative leads that require follow-up by the submitting law enforcement agency. The
agency would need to take a reference DNA sample from the offender for confirmation purposes.
What are my agency’s responsibilities when it comes to CODIS?
1. Agency personnel must take DNA from offenders when required;
2. Agencies should perform a DNA status check on all arrested persons. If DNA collection is required, collect the
sample. The DNA status can be found on the computerized criminal history (CCH), the master name index
(MNI), and the Arrest Notification CJIS Response after fingerprinting;
3. Agency personnel should follow up when the CODIS Compliance Unit sends error reports on missing or
improperly collected samples.
How can CODIS help with Unidentified Remains and Missing Person Investigations?
By submitting DNA from unidentified remains, the lab can compare the submission profile to DNA profiles already
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