DNA Scientific Services
DNA Casework
The Scientific Analysis Bureau provides serology and forensic DNA analysis using the most modern DNA scientific services for the examination of crime evidence to identify or exonerate individuals. Forensic DNA analysis involves testing of biological samples left at a scene to determine a DNA profile which can then be compared to the known profile of an individual or entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), a national database of DNA profiles, to search for a potential match. DNA analysis is offered at the Central, Southern and Northern laboratories.
To reduce backlogs and provide timely investigative information, a triaged approach for evidence submission has been implemented. This will allow DNA Casework to channel resources to focus on the most crucial evidence for every case and provide a quicker turnaround time for all customers. Permission to consume is considered granted at the time of submission. While every effort will be made to preserve samples for future testing, consumption will occur at the discretion of the analyst. For cases involving death or attempted homicide, permission to consume will only be requested if a suspect is named.
***NEW*** Arizona Department of Public Safety begins using STRmix. Read the press release here or here.
Violent Crimes cases: DNA evidence for cases involving a violent incident that results in injury (bleeding) or death. For initial evidence submissions of Violent Crimes cases, the lab will process up to 5 items of evidence per case (plus any known standards). Should more than 5 items be required for any case (complex scene, multiple victims/assailants, etc.), please contact the laboratory to discuss the case prior to submitting.
Sexual Assault cases: DNA evidence for cases involving a sexual assault. For sexual assault cases, initial evidence submission should be the Sex Assault Kit (SAK) collected by medical personnel. Once the SAK has been processed, additional items of evidence may be processed as needed. If no SAK was collected, initial evidence submission should be up to 5 items of evidence.
Property Crimes cases: DNA evidence for cases involving an incident of stolen, damaged property, etc. or non-injury related persons crimes (e.g. armed robbery). For initial evidence submissions of Property Crimes cases, the lab will process 1 item of evidence per suspect in a case (plus any known standards).
Known Standards: known standards are needed for all cases requiring DNA analysis. Known standards, sometimes referred to as a DNA reference sample, should be 2 swabs collected from the inner cheek of an individual. Except for sex assault and biological standards kits, all known standards should be submitted in a package separate from crime scene evidence and each known standard must have its own item number. Additionally, package the 2 swabs in a swab carton labeled accordingly. Seal this swab carton in only one large outer manila envelope. Suspects believed to already be in CODIS are still required to have a known DNA standard collected and submitted to the laboratory for comparison purposes. Whenever possible, please submit known DNA standards at the same time crime scene samples are submitted to the Lab.
Definitions
Touch DNA - DNA from skin cells left behind when a person touches or handles an item or surface.
Buccal Swabs – (Pronounced “buckle”) swab(s) collected from the inner cheek of the mouth to use as a known DNA sample. Any swabs collected other than from the inner cheek are not buccal swabs. Do not use convicted offender and arrestee kits for casework submissions. DNA profiles from offender and arrestee submissions cannot be used for casework comparisons.
Manuals
Forensic Biology Report Wording Guidelines
Announcements/bulletins
- DNA Evidence Submission Supplement Required for All DNA Analysis Requests
- Touch-DNA Case Acceptance Guidelines
- NOTE: As of August 2019, these guidelines now apply to all DNA requests submitted to the laboratory. The Lab always encourages the collection of evidence that may help your investigation. Please call the appropriate DNA supervisor with any questions about submission of touch-DNA evidence.
- DNA Collection Brochure
- Track-Kit Information
- CODIS Searches
- NEW - POSTED 8/10/2021 - DNA Evidence Collection Class
Forms
DNA Database
The Combined DNA Index System is the DNA database utilized in the United States. Created and maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, it involves various levels of databases at local, state and national levels which allow searching of unknown DNA profiles against other unknown forensic profiles, convicted offender profiles, and arrestee profiles.
The Scientific Analysis Bureau serves as the State Combined DNA Index System (SDIS) Database for Arizona and uploads an average of approximately 20,000 convicted offender and arrestee samples into CODIS each year. This analysis is provided at the Central laboratory.
CODIS Standard Operating Procedures
DNA Database Analytical Protocols
DNA Familial
Familial DNA analysis is a deliberate search of convicted offender and arrestee DNA profiles to identify candidates who are potential close biological relatives to an unknown DNA profile. A statistical comparison is completed to accomplish this, providing analysts with a list of candidates for further analysis who have a higher statistical likelihood of being relatives of the unknown profile. Once this additional analysis is complete, investigators are provided with a list of any remaining candidates for further investigation.
The Scientific Analysis Bureau provides familial DNA analysis in select cases at the Central laboratory. Arizona is the twelfth state to offer this type of testing.
Familial Search Policy and Procedures Manual
Rapid DNA
Rapid DNA is technology that allows for the multiple steps of DNA analysis to be consolidated in a single instrument and performed very quickly (within 2 hours). The Department of Public Safety was the first state agency to bring Rapid DNA analysis online as a law enforcement program where officers and crime scene technicians are trained in the use of the Rapid instrumentation. These Rapid operators can then run select types of crime scene samples outside of the laboratory in order to develop investigative leads more quickly than possible through normal crime laboratory analysis.
The Scientific Analysis Bureau provides training and support for this statewide Rapid DNA program through the Central laboratory and has Rapid instruments located for use at the Central and Southern laboratories.
