Federal Bureau of Investigation DNA Analysis Units
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) operates specialized DNA Analysis Units to provide critical DNA testing and related forensic services to law enforcement agencies across the United States and internationally. Formed initially in 1988 and later expanded in 1998, these units focus on advancing the effectiveness of DNA evidence in criminal investigations, the identification of missing persons, and the identification of unidentified remains. The DNA Analysis Unit I (DNAAU-1) conducts nuclear DNA testing on various biological samples, while the DNA Analysis Unit II (DNAAU-2) specializes in mitochondrial DNA analysis, particularly useful for degraded samples. The units contribute significantly to the National DNA Index System (NDIS) and the National Missing Person DNA Database (NMPDD), linking DNA profiles to aid in solving crimes and addressing cases of missing individuals. This collaborative approach includes partnerships with relevant laboratories and the maintenance of important databases to enhance forensic capabilities. Through scientific research, training, and expert testimony, the FBI DNA Analysis Units play a vital role in the criminal justice system and public safety efforts.
Federal Bureau of Investigation DNA Analysis Units
DATE: Formed in 1998
IDENTIFICATION: Special units of the FBI Laboratory formed to provide DNA testing and related services to all federal, state, and local law-enforcement agencies, military tribunals, and US attorneys in the United States and abroad.
SIGNIFICANCE: By providing comprehensive forensic examinations, scientific research, technological advancements, training, expert witness testimony, and maintenance and creation of national DNA database programs, the FBI’s DNA Analysis Units have contributed to the effectiveness of the use of DNA evidence in criminal investigations and in the identification of missing and unidentified persons.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) operates one of the world’s largest forensic laboratories. The FBI Laboratory, commonly referred to as the FBI crime lab, comprises branches and sections that are further divided into special units. In 1988, the Unit was established as part of the lab’s Scientific Analysis Section. The new unit included biologists, forensic examiners, specialists in DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) analysis, and management and program analysts. In 1998, the DNA Unit was divided into two more specialized units: the DNA Analysis Unit I (DNAAU-1) and the DNA Analysis Unit II (DNAAU-2). The Federal DNA Database Unit (FDDU) was established in 2000 as the Federal Convicted Offender (FCO) program.
DNAAU-1 examines from a variety of crimes and provides serological and nuclear DNA testing services. Serological techniques assist in DNA analysis by identifying whether biological stains are blood, semen, or other body fluids. DNA samples may also be obtained from a variety of other sources, such as saliva left on cigarette butts, envelopes, or beverage bottles and from sweat deposited inside hats. Nuclear DNA testing is performed on the evidence, and the findings are compared with the DNA found in reference samples obtained from crime victims or suspects.
The resulting DNA profiles are entered into the National DNA Index System (NDIS), which was created in the late 1990s. In 2000, the Federal Convicted Offender (FCO) program was created to oversee it. The name of the FCO was later changed to the Federal DNA Database Unit (FDDU). As of 2024, the FDDU created a DNA profile for individuals who are convicted of, arrested for, or facing charges for some federal crimes, individuals who are convicted for certain offenses in the District of Columbia, and non-US citizens who are detained under US authority. The unit then searches these profiles against unknown profiles in the NDIS with the hope of finding a match and solving a crime.
DNAAU-2 analyzes the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences in biological evidence from crime scenes, such as hair, teeth, and bones. Nuclear DNA analysis may not be appropriate for such evidential materials, as the DNA may be degraded, so sensitive mtDNA analysis techniques are used. Forensic information attained through these techniques has proved to be especially useful in cold cases and in cases with only small pieces of biological evidence available.
Unique identification—that is, identification of a specific individual—is not possible using mtDNA analysis, as all maternal relatives inherit the same mtDNA type. DNAAU-2 scientists compare the mtDNA from biological evidence to reference samples of qualifying relatives, such as the mother or siblings, of the person of interest.
The work of DNAAU-2 is also integral to the National Missing Person DNA Database (NMPDD) program. The NMPDD contains available DNA profiles from missing persons, biological relatives of missing persons, and unidentified human remains. Like NDIS, the NMPDD is part of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). DNAAU-2 also works in partnership with the Regional Mitochondrial DNA Laboratory Program and maintains the Scientific Working Group DNA Analysis Methods mtDNA Population Database.
Bibliography
Buckleton, John, Christopher M. Triggs, and Simon J. Walsh, eds. Forensic DNA Evidence Interpretation. Boca Raton, Fla.: CRC Press, 2005.
Butler, John M. Forensic DNA Typing: Biology, Technology, and Genetics of STR Markers. 2d ed. Burlington, Mass.: Elsevier Academic Press, 2005.
DePalma, Lindsay. "Body Swab DNA Collection in Death Investigations." FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, US Department of Justice, 9 Aug. 2024, leb.fbi.gov/articles/featured-articles/body-swab-dna-collection-in-death-investigations. Accessed 14 Aug. 2024.
Kirby, Lorne T. DNA Fingerprinting: An Introduction. New York: Oxford University Press, 1992.
Rudin, Norah, and Keith Inman. An Introduction to Forensic DNA Analysis. 2d ed. Boca Raton, Fla.: CRC Press, 2002.