FBI Responds to Relocation of CODIS Server from the City of Albuquerque to Santa Fe

The actions of the FBI Laboratory, with regard to today’s move of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) server from the City of Albuquerque, Albuquerque Police Criminalistics Laboratory to the New Mexico Department of Public Safety in Santa Fe, continue to be misinterpreted by some media outlets.

The FBI has no role in determining the location of each state’s DNA database. The decision to change the location of the New Mexico DNA Administrative Center belongs to the state of New Mexico.

Today’s move of the CODIS server from Albuquerque to Santa Fe is being conducted in accordance with NDIS Procedures. The FBI Laboratory is acting in compliance with all protocols and standard practices, to include the back up of data and the transportation of the server. The relocation includes the server and associated data. The FBI is not relocating evidence.

CODIS operations, and the integrity of the system, will not be affected by the relocation of the server.

Media reports that suggest that the move is “outside of standard protocol” are inaccurate.

In accordance with the National DNA Index System (NDIS) Operational Procedures, each State designates one criminal justice agency to be responsible for ensuring that all conditions and standards for NDIS participation are met within that State. Further, to participate in NDIS, a NDIS Laboratory appoints a CODIS Administrator to serve as the central point of contact with the FBI. The CODIS Administrator is responsible for the use of the CODIS software within that State as well as submission of DNA records to the National DNA Index. The State CODIS Administrator is the authorized party to sign all correspondence to the FBI and NDIS Custodian relating to the use of CODIS equipment or software within that State.

The designated State CODIS Administrator for New Mexico, and the signatory to the FBI/New Mexico Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), is the New Mexico Department of Public Safety. Modifications to the FBI/New Mexico MOU had to be submitted in writing and signed by both the FBI and the New Mexico Department of Public Safety.

The FBI Laboratory has an obligation to comply with the terms of the MOUs and requirements outlined in the NDIS Operational Procedures prior to authorizing a move of a CODIS server within a state.