The Biological Science Section includes the DNA Casework Section as well as the New York State DNA Databank.
Casework
The Biological Science Casework Section provides submitting agencies with access to Forensic Serology and Forensic DNA Testing of selected biological materials that are associated with criminal investigations.
Forensic Serology is the identification, collection and preservation of biological materials that may be used in DNA analysis.
Forensic DNA Analysis is the process of developing DNA profiles from biological evidence to use for comparison purposes. These profiles can be used to develop investigative leads, identify perpetrators of crimes and exonerate the innocent. Should a suitable DNA profile be developed from crime scene evidence, it may be entered into the FBI-administered Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) for searching at the local, state and/or national levels.
Find more information about our Casework Section in this video:
Alternative Text Alternative Text Video: NYS Police Forensic Investigation Center -- Biological Sciences CaseworkDNA Databank / SDIS
The New York State DNA Databank Laboratory is responsible for processing Convicted Offender DNA samples submitted from any offender convicted on or after August 1, 2012 of a felony or Penal Law misdemeanor. Subject DNA samples are also submitted for processing pursuant to the state’s Subject regulations from offenders who provide a sample as a condition of a plea agreement, release, parole, or probation.
The DNA Databank laboratory utilizes validated DNA methodologies and instrumentation to efficiently process and analyze offender DNA samples to develop DNA profiles for entry into the State CODIS Database (SDIS). CODIS is a computer database, which consists of a set of indices that electronically store both offender and forensic (crime scene evidence) DNA profiles. The offender and forensic indices are searched against each other to generate DNA matches and provide investigative leads to the law enforcement community.
The DNA Databank laboratory is also responsible for processing Familial Search requests. Familial Searching is a multistep process of statistical analyses and DNA comparisons, used to screen an offender database for the best candidates to be potential biological relatives of a target profile. A target profile is the unknown profile being searched and can be either a forensic or unidentified human remains DNA profile that is associated with a serious crime.
Familial Searching in New York State requires the interaction of multiple agencies, including the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, the New York State Police DNA Databank/State CODIS Unit, the respective District Attorney, Law Enforcement Agency, and the local DNA casework laboratory that performed the evidentiary testing.
Information on the application process and requirements can be found on the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services website:
Familial Search vs Investigative Genetic Genealogy
Familial Search and Investigative Genetic Genealogy are techniques utilized to identify potential biological relatives of a target profile. While not the only difference, Familial Search utilizes offender databases to obtain the known profile where Investigative Genetic Genealogy utilizes consumer genealogy databases. Investigative Genetic Genealogy is NOT a process provided by the New York State Police, however it could be a valuable tool in unsolved cases.
The DNA Databank is administered by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Office of Forensic Services as set forth in Article 49-B of the Executive Law. Please refer to the OFS website for more information.
Find more information about our DNA Databank in this video:
