The DNA Section determines what biological materials or genetic information might be present on samples. Scientific techniques are used to generate a DNA profile which can be compared to evidence profiles or known individuals.
DNA Analysis Unit
The DNA Analysis Unit examines evidence for the presence of biological material. Additionally, the DNA Analysis Unit develops DNA profiles utilizing scientific techniques. The DNA Analysis Unit also analyzes and interprets any DNA profiles generated. After interpretation, conclusions are drawn to determine whether an individual is able to be included or excluded as a possible contributor to the DNA profile identified on the evidence. DNA evidence profiles can be entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) for routine search. DNA profiles in CODIS are searched against DNA profiles from other individuals. Those individuals are required by State and Federal Law to provide a reference DNA sample. In addition, DNA profiles from other cases are also searched in CODIS. The DNA Database provides potential for unknown DNA evidence profiles to be associated with a known individual. This is known as an investigative lead.
The DNA Analysis Unit also performs specialized DNA testing referred to as Y STR testing. Y STR analysis targets DNA from males. This may be useful in sexual assault cases where the amount of male DNA present may be much lower relative to the amount of female DNA recovered from evidence.
Day in the Life - DNA
Services
Probabilistic Genotyping (PG) is an interpretation tool which assists the DNA Analyst in resolving previously uninterpretable profiles. This tool is limited to cases in which DNA analysis was performed using the currently validated DNA testing kit and analysis equipment. As a result, DNA testing performed prior to January 1st, 2019 may not be eligible for PG. For questions, please contact the DNA Analysis Unit in Madison or Milwaukee.
Probabilistic Genotyping Request Guidelines
Training is available upon request in the areas of Biological Evidence Collection, Sexual Assault Collection, and Forensic DNA Analysis. Questions about scheduling training should be directed to the DNA Analysis Unit Supervisors.
Forensic paternity analyses are performed when criminal activity results in a pregnancy. This requires a DNA sample from the biological mother, the child (or product of conception), and the alleged father. If the alleged father is unknown, the DNA types attributable to the biological father may be entered into CODIS to be searched.
Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) is a technique that combines genetic testing with traditional genealogical research to generate investigative leads in unsolved violent crimes. Given our expertise in forensic genetics and investigation, the Wisconsin Identity Resolution Team (WiscIR), which includes members from the Division of Forensic Sciences (DFS) and the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), can offer guidance and act as liaisons to agencies seeking these services. Additionally, WiscIR has funding available for FIGG if the case meets the necessary requirements during internal review.
Please contact the Wisconsin Identity Resolution Team (WiscIR) for FIGG guidance or assistance at WISCIR@doj.state.wi.us or WIGG@doj.state.wi.us for specific Division of Forensic Science case inquiries.
DNA Databank UnitThe DNA Databank Unit is responsible for receiving, verifying acceptability, and processing reference DNA samples from convicted offenders and a subset of arrestees. The reference DNA profiles obtained from these samples are then uploaded into the Wisconsin DNA Databank. The Wisconsin DNA Databank contains over 300,000 offender and arrestee DNA profiles. The Wisconsin DNA Databank is maintained in accordance with
Wisconsin State Statutes Wis. Stat. §165.77.
To compare DNA profiles in the Databank, Wisconsin uses the FBI managed software called the Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS. CODIS includes DNA profiles collected from known offenders and arrestees, as well as unknown missing persons, unidentified human remains, and crime scene evidence. CODIS also contains three levels, the local, state, and national level. Wisconsin manages the local and state level. The Federal Bureau of Investigation manages CODIS at the national level.
Wisconsin must follow the rules set forth by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Wisconsin CODIS Administrators are responsible for enforcing the rules set forth. They are also responsible for all communications with the Federal Bureau of Investigations.
CODIS links profiles from crime scenes to each other or to a reference DNA samples. This link is reported to law enforcement as an investigative lead. Wisconsin has provided over 10,000 investigate leads since 2001. About 35 percent of investigative leads are a connected to a violent crime such as homicide or sexual assault.
For more information refer to the CODIS & NDIS Fact Sheet.
Day in the Life of the Databank Unit
Services
A DNA expungement is the complete removal of a DNA profile from CODIS and the physical destruction of the associated DNA sample and information pursuant to Wisconsin State Statutes (§165.77(4)). If any qualifying events exist in your criminal history, the DNA records will not be expunged.
To request an expungement of DNA records, you or your legal representative must submit the following:
-
DNA Databank Record Expungement Request DJ-LE-177
- A certified court record establishing that each qualifying conviction was reversed, set aside or vacated or that the qualifying arrest was dismissed
Incomplete requests will not be reviewed.
A formal request can be made to the DNA Databank about the status of your reference DNA sample. To request information, you or your legal representative must submit a letter with the following:
- Full Name
- Date of Birth
- Wisconsin Department of Corrections identification number (if known)
- any other relevant information to your request
Requests by a third party other than a legal representative will not be considered.
Requests may be mailed to:
Wisconsin State Crime Lab
ATTN: DNA Databank
4626 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53705
As of 2014, the Wisconsin DNA Databank has been conducting familial search for unsolved violent crimes.
Familial DNA Search is a tool that deliberately searches for biological relatives of an unknown evidence profile obtained from crime scene evidence. This search is performed with the offender DNA profiles in the Wisconsin DNA Databank.
In total, more than thirty searches have been completed. In several cases, about fifteen percent, the Wisconsin DNA Databank was able to provide an agency with a new investigative lead which led to the identification and apprehension of a suspect.
Familial DNA Search is only approved for use with unsolved, violent crimes where all investigative leads have been exhausted. Additionally, the case needs to have a suitable STR DNA profile searching in CODIS and a Y-STR DNA profile. Send familial DNA search questions or case information to
WIGG@doj.state.wi.us or to the DNA analyst who worked your case.
*Note: Familial Search is not the same as Investigative Genetic Genealogy. The genetic locations used for a familial search do not correspond with ancestry informative genetic locations used for genetic genealogy testing.