Pennsylvania Code
Title 37 - LAW
Part I - State Police
Chapter 58 - DNA DETECTION OF SEXUAL AND VIOLENT OFFENDERS ACT
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 58.21 - Procedures for regulating the collection, receipt and processing of DNA samples in the DNA database laboratory

Universal Citation: 37 PA Code ยง 58.21

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 44, November 2, 2024

(a) The responsibility to ensure collection of DNA samples for the DNA Databank is as follows:

(1) DOC will have the responsibility when the offender is sentenced to incarceration within a State correctional facility.

(2) The director of the youth development center or juvenile detention facility will have the responsibility when the offender is sentenced to detainment within a State juvenile correctional facility.

(3) The warden or other official in charge of a county or local correctional facility or the administrator of a county juvenile detention center or other juvenile facility will have the responsibility when the offender is sentenced to incarceration within such correctional facilities.

(4) Individuals given a disposition, other than incarceration, will be the responsibility of the chief county adult or juvenile probation/parole officer. The chief county adult or juvenile probation/parole officer shall also be responsible for transportation of the individual to the prison, jail, juvenile detention facility, or another detention facility or institution. The DNA sample is to be drawn at a prison, jail unit, juvenile facility or other facility designated by the court before release.

(b) DNA samples shall be drawn by persons authorized to do so under Pennsylvania law.

(c) For individuals convicted or adjudicated delinquent prior to November 28, 1996, DNA samples shall be drawn prior to release. Collection of DNA samples shall be prioritized by release/parole date. These DNA samples are to be collected after scheduling a compatible time for receipt by the DNA Database Laboratory.

(d) For individuals convicted or adjudicated delinquent after November 28, 1996, DNA samples shall be drawn at time of intake. To prevent duplication of draw and to ensure a DNA sample is collected, a DNA Sample Tracking Sheet shall accompany the inmate and be placed into the inmate's file.

(e) Prior to collecting the DNA sample, the responsible persons designated under subsection (a) shall determine that the offender is subject to section 306 of the act (35 P. S. § 7651.306). The SID Number associated with an inmate's commitment and sentencing documentation will be used as a tracking number for this purpose. A copy of the DNA Sample Tracking Sheet will be retained by the facility responsible for collecting the DNA sample. A copy of the DNA Sample Tracking Sheet shall be transmitted to the Board of Probation and Parole at the time a recommendation is made for release consideration. A copy of the DNA Sample Tracking Sheet shall also be retained by the Board of Probation and Parole.

(f) DNA samples shall be collected using State Police provided DNA Database Kits. DNA samples will consist of an EDTA tube of blood unless a special written request to the DNA Database Laboratory is made for permission to submit a different tissue sample. Requests shall be in writing, specify good cause, and be subject to verification and approval by the DNA Database Laboratory prior to transmittal of the sample.

(g) The associated forms for the DNA Database Kit shall be completed in full prior to submission. The imprinting of the offender's left and right thumbs, by means of an inked impression in the spaces indicated on the DNA Database Collection Card, shall also be completed. Additionally, a Pennsylvania State Police Arrest and Institution Fingerprint card shall be completed.

(h) The completed kit, DNA Database Collection Card and the Pennsylvania State Police Arrest and Institution Fingerprint Card shall be delivered to the State Police DNA Database Laboratory within 48 hours of collecting the DNA sample.

(i) Receipt of DNA samples in the DNA Databank will apply with the following.

(1) DNA samples received in person, by mail, by parcel post or by a bonded courier service will be accompanied by a DNA Database Sample Inventory and Receipt Form. When received in person, the DNA Database Laboratory will verify that the DNA samples delivered are the same DNA samples as listed on the DNA Database Sample Inventory and Receipt Form. The DNA Database Laboratory will sign and date the chain of custody portion of the form, indicate the manner of receipt and ensure that the correctional officer or courier signs in the appropriate space. The original of this form will be maintained in the DNA Database Laboratory and a copy will be given to the correctional officer or courier as a delivery receipt. A copy of the form will also be mailed to the submitting agency. After inventory of the DNA samples, each DNA sample will receive a unique DNA bar code number. The number will then be entered into a Sample Tracking System.

(2) Associated paperwork with the DNA Database Kit will receive the same bar code number and be placed into the DNA Sample File that is generated at this time.

(3) The DNA Sample File will not contain any sizing information or DNA typing data.

(4) Upon receipt and after assignment of a unique bar code number, the DNA Database Laboratory will break the seal and closely examine each individual DNA sample.

(5) The DNA sample and kit are further processed, and the kit is securely stored.

(6) The DNA Database Laboratory will ensure that the submitting agency is contacted and notified if a DNA sample must be redrawn. The DNA Database Laboratory will also track the DNA sample to ensure it is redrawn as requested.

(7) A DNA Sample Destruction Form will be completed if the DNA Database Laboratory determines that a DNA sample has been received from an individual not covered by the act, and the DNA sample destroyed.

(8) DNA samples in the DNA Databank will be retained in accordance with CODIS standards.

(9) Lab files will not contain offender names. The only identifier will be the unique bar code number.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Pennsylvania may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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