DNA Data Bank

About

The Virginia DNA Data Bank Section receives, accessions and processes samples from convicted offenders and certain arrestees. Analysts in the Data Bank conduct DNA analysis on these samples.  DNA profiles obtained from the offender/arrestee samples are entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) and searched for possible matches to unknown DNA profiles from evidence collected at crime scenes. These searches can be conducted at the state and national levels.  The Virginia DNA Data Bank contains over 400,000 offender DNA profiles.

Major Milestones

1989 — DFS is the first state laboratory to create a DNA Data Bank of previously convicted sex offenders.

1990 — The DNA Data Bank is expanded to include all convicted felons.

1992 — Virginia is a pilot state for a National DNA Data Bank (CODIS).

1994 — A “cold hit” from the DNA Data Bank results in a conviction.

1996 — The DNA Data Bank is expanded to include juveniles convicted or adjudicated delinquent of felony offenses.

2002 — The DNA Data Bank records its 1,000th hit.

2003 — The DNA Data Bank is expanded to include persons arrested for violent felonies and certain burglaries.

2006 — The DNA Data Bank is expanded to include individuals registered with the Virginia Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry.

2011 — The DNA Data Bank is expanded to include persons convicted of five specified misdemeanors that do not require sex offender registration.

2015 — The DNA Data Bank records its 10,000th hit. The DNA Data Bank is expanded to include persons convicted of nine additional specified misdemeanors.

2018 — The DNA Data Bank is expanded to include persons convicted of two additional specified misdemeanors.

2019 — The DNA Data Bank is expanded to include persons convicted of any misdemeanor violation of a local ordinance that is similar to the sixteen specified misdemeanor offenses.

2021 — In September, the DNA Databank records its 15,000th “hit”