CODIS—Quality
Assurance
The FBI takes an active role in assuring
the quality of the results in the database. For example, the DNA
Identification Act of 1994 established a DNA Advisory Board (DAB)
to develop and revise the recommended standards for quality assurance.
The DAB fulfilled its mission by recommending two quality assurance
documents to the Director of the FBI, resulting in the issuance of
the Standards
for Forensic DNA Testing Labs and Standards
for Convicted Offender labs.Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Labs and Standards for DNA Databasing Labs have been updated and will take effect July 1, 2009.
Standards for Forensic DNA Testing
Laboratories—Preface
Throughout its deliberation concerning these quality standards, the DNA Advisory
Board recognized the need for a mechanism to ensure compliance with the standards.
An underlying premise for these discussions was that accreditation would be required
to demonstrate compliance with the standards and therefore assure quality control
and a quality program. Accordingly, the Board recommends that forensic laboratories
performing DNA analysis seek such accreditation with all deliberate speed. Additionally,
the Board strongly encourages the accrediting bodies to begin positioning themselves
to accommodate the increasing demand for accreditation.
Proposed Mechanism to Recommend Changes to
Standards
Once the Director of the FBI has issued standards for quality assurance for
forensic DNA testing, the DNA Advisory Board may recommend revisions to such
standards to the FBI Director, as necessary. In the event that the duration
of the DNA Advisory Board is extended beyond March 10, 2000 by the FBI Director,
the Board may continue to recommend revisions to such standards to the FBI
Director. In the event that the DNA Advisory Board is not extended by the FBI
Director after March 10, 2000, the Technical Working Group on DNA Analysis
Methods (TWGDAM) may recommend revisions to such standards to the FBI Director,
as necessary.
Effective date these standards shall take effect is October 1, 1998.
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