ADFS maintains the state of Alabama’s DNA Databank laboratory in Birmingham. The DNA Databank laboratory is responsible for the collection, storage, and analysis of biological samples recovered from individuals arrested and/or convicted of all felonies and certain misdemeanors, as specified in the Code of Alabama 1975 § 36-18-20 and 1975 § 15-20A-5 et seq.

Under the authority of the DNA Identification Act of 1994, the Federal Bureau of Investigation established a national DNA database (NDIS), while ADFS established Alabama’s state DNA database (SDIS) in Birmingham and local DNA databases (LDIS) within each regional casework laboratory. These three geographic levels of DNA databases comprise the COmbined DNA Index System (CODIS). CODIS allows local, state, and national law enforcement laboratories to generate investigative leads in cases where biological evidence is recovered from a crime scene by:

• Matching DNA profiles from unsolved crimes and linking crime scenes together (Forensic hit).
• Matching DNA profiles from unsolved crimes to convicted offenders/arrestees (Offender/Arrestee hit).

For more information on CODIS, please email Sarah Olvey or call (659) 219-7812.

To learn more on how to collect an offender DNA sample, please visit our Online Training Videos.