In this scenario, a foreign DNA profile was obtained from the DNA testing of a sexual assault kit (SAK), the profile has been uploaded into the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), and the profile matched to another profile in CODIS. This match is referred to as a “CODIS hit”. A SAK can have multiple CODIS hits, and receive more hits indefinitely.
"A hit of any kind does not guarantee a prosecution or conviction. It only guarantees further case review."
A CODIS hit can be either a forensic hit or offender hit. When the foreign DNA profile connects to other incidents or cases within CODIS, but not to a named individual, it is a forensic CODIS hit. When the foreign DNA profile connects to a named individual, it is an offender CODIS hit.
An offender CODIS hit can be a warm (confirmatory) hit or a cold hit. When the foreign DNA profile hits to a named individual that was not named as a suspect in the case, it is a cold hit. When the foreign DNA profile hits to a named individual that was named as a suspect in the case, it is a warm (confirmatory) hit. This terminology is specific to the WiSAKI project and is not current FBI/CODIS terminology.
When a CODIS hit of any of these kind occurs, the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory (WSCL) notifies the submitting agency and law enforcement on the WiSAKI team at the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ).
Local and state multi-disciplinary teams (which may include prosecutors, law enforcement, and victim advocates) will work together to review the case for additional investigative work and possible prosecution. A hit of any kind does not guarantee a prosecution or conviction; it only guarantees further case review.
This ensuing case review could include examining police reporters, identifying potential safety risks to the public and the victim, identifying legal impediments to a renewed investigation or prosecution such as statute of limitations concerns or plea agreements, and/or whether additional samples are needed from the suspect(s) or consensual partners. Also during this case review, multi-disciplinary teams will discuss notifying the victim. To learn more about survivor notification, click here.
The results of this case review and survivor notification will inform the decision to proceed with further investigation and/or prosecution.