Overview

Texas DPS is charged with the task of implementing the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) in the state of Texas. The program was created on September 1, 1996, by Government Code §411.142.

The principal purpose of this system is to assist federal, state, or local criminal justice or law enforcement agencies in the investigation or prosecution of sex-related offenses, or other offenses in which biological evidence is recovered. The database may also assist in:

• The recovery or identification of human remains from a disaster or for humanitarian purposes.
• The identification of living or deceased missing persons.
• Identification research and protocol development.
• DNA laboratory quality control.

The State CODIS Program is responsible for recording DNA data, and establishing and maintaining a computerized database that serves as the state's central depository for DNA records. The state DNA database, consisting of several authorized categories of DNA records, is housed and maintained by the State CODIS Laboratory at the Headquarters Crime Lab in Austin.

DNA profiles can be entered into the state database in two ways:

• Biological samples can be typed by the State CODIS Lab.
• DNA profiles can be uploaded from local CODIS labs.

Custodian of DNA Records
The DPS Director is the liaison for DNA data, records, evidence, and other related matters between the FBI and DNA laboratories or criminal justice/law enforcement agencies.

A DNA record stored in the DNA database is confidential and is not subject to disclosure under the public information law, Chapter 552.   A person commits an offense if the person knowingly discloses information in a DNA record or information related to a DNA analysis of a sample collected under state statute. An offense under this section is a State Jail Felony.  A violation under this section constitutes official misconduct.

State CODIS Laboratory
The State CODIS Laboratory at the Headquarters Laboratory in Austin is responsible for receiving, analyzing, and verifying acceptability of subject samples, including AFIS verification of fingerprints on the DNA database cards; entering and storing DNA types into a database; and monitoring and enabling access to that database.

Texas DPS is required to provide a reasonable quantity of sample collection kits to a criminal justice or law enforcement agency in this state, which is required by statute to collect offender samples at no cost to the agency.

DPS stores verified DNA samples for match verification and other quality assurance purposes.

CODIS User Laboratories
A DNA laboratory in the state of Texas that is maintained by a criminal justice agency may apply to become a "CODIS User Laboratory." Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Chapter 28, Subchapter F, requires the DPS Director to govern the regulation of CODIS User Laboratories located in this state.

All CODIS User Labs must complete and submit Form LAB-CO-40 (PDF) with the State CODIS Program, as well as agree to:

• Adhere to specific minimum standards.
• Comply with CODIS policy.
• Maintain DPS accreditation.
• Be subject to annual audits.

CODIS User Laboratories are required to report the results of an analysis, comparison, or other match to a criminal justice or law enforcement agency. The laboratory shall make reasonable efforts to submit the report to the agency no later than 30 days after completing its report of the comparison or match.

DNA Laboratory Compliance
All participating DNA labs, including at DPS, are required by state and federal law to maintain compatibility with "National DNA Index System (NDIS) Procedures" sponsored by the FBI; and must comply with the "Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories and Convicted Offender DNA Databasing Laboratories."