Department of Civil Service

Description:

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.

Skills:

good writing skills

good research skills

hands-on lab experience

Internship Areas: Criminal Justice/Corrections, Pharmaceutical, Scientific Research