NDIS Procedures and Administration

Each state is responsible for determining its own policies regarding samples allowed in the state's DNA database, primarily via legislation regarding the creation and use of DNA databases. Each state can set its own policies, data entry, and/or search schedules, and other activities on CODIS within that state. However, there is still an expectation of reasonable uniformity amongst states about the use of CODIS.

 

The NDIS Procedures Board is responsible for development and modification of policy regarding NDIS use. Board membership comprises representatives of federal, state , and local laboratories. State or local laboratories that contribute DNA profiles to NDIS must comply with NDIS procedures, posted on the CJIS-WAN CODIS website. NDIS procedures provide details regarding acceptance of DNA profiles at the national level. One requirement, for example, is that a forensic evidence DNA profile must have results at 10 or more of specific CODIS core loci.

Each laboratory is required to designate a CODIS Administrator, who is responsible for CODIS data and serves as the primary point of contact for CODIS issues in that laboratory. Each state has a designated CODIS State Administrator, who serves as the state's CODIS point of contact and is responsible for coordinating and communicating with all CODIS administrators in the state's local laboratories regarding CODIS issues. CODIS state administrators also serve as gatekeepers for entering data from states into NDIS. At semiannual meetings sponsored by the FBI, CODIS state administrators discuss such CODIS topics as:

• Legal developments and procedures.
• CODIS software upgrades and modifications.
• Exchange of information and CODIS experiences.

A working group within the Scientific Working Group for DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) is also dedicated to CODIS issues and is tasked with addressing matters such as:

• Formulation and clarification of CODIS policies and NDIS procedures.
• CODIS software modification and improvements.
• Issues relating to CODIS and DNA databases.

The working group also addresses CODIS issues directed to its attention by the NDIS Procedures Board or the SWGDAM chairman. The working group comprises SWGDAM members who are CODIS users at the local, state, or national level.