Sex Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI)
Seeking Justice Through DNAThe Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) is a federal grant program funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to address the backlog of unsubmitted sexual assault kits (SAKs) across the country and to improve the criminal justice system’s response to sexual assault cases. Tennessee has been a proud recipient of SAKI funding since 2015, with early awards supporting efforts by the Memphis Police Department. In 2020 and 2024, funds were also obtained by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to lead a statewide effort focused on identifying and obtaining DNA profiles absent from CODIS.
The Combined DNA Index System (CODIS)
CODIS is a software composed of a three-tiered hierarchy including: National DNA Index System (NDIS), State DNA Index System (SDIS), and Local DNA Index System (LDIS). Each tier is a point of entry and storage for DNA profiles from known convicted offenders or arrestees, forensic crime scenes, human remains, and missing persons. Similar in concept to the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), CODIS enables the collection, analysis, and storage of unique biological samples for the purpose of individual identification.
What is Lawfully Owed DNA (LODNA)?
Per SAKI Training and Technical Assistance, lawfully owed DNA (LODNA) is defined as a DNA sample from a qualifying offender who should have their sample in CODIS (based on the type and time of the offense in relation to applicable state law), but from whom a sample has never been collected or submitted to a lab for testing.
In the state of Tennessee, an individual’s DNA sample is deemed lawfully owed (LO) if the TBI CODIS unit has not received a DNA sample from a known offender within in 30 days of arrest (if the offense is applicable), sentencing, or registration on the Tennessee sex offender registry (TNSOR).
TBI's SAKI Objectives
1. Multidisciplinary Process Improvement
Through the application of a multidisciplinary lens, the TBI SAKI team works to identify and improve procedures that impact the collection, submission, and tracking of DNA samples. This includes collaboration with law enforcement, forensic scientists, victim advocates, criminal records, regional medical examiner’s office, correctional and regulatory institutions to develop best practices statewide.
2. Legal Accountability Under TCA § 40-35-321
In accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-35-321, individuals convicted of qualifying offenses are legally required to provide a biological specimen for DNA analysis. The TBI SAKI initiative is committed to holding LO individuals accountable, ensuring their profiles are collected and uploaded to CODIS as mandated by law.
3. Collaborative Engagement & Education
The TBI SAKI team seeks to facilitate a collaborative environment with partners to generate opportunities for meaningful conversation, cross-training, and education. By fostering open dialogue and shared learning, TBI SAKI aims to strengthen the collective response to sexual violence and DNA-based investigations across Tennessee.
Why It Matters
With every profile uploaded to CODIS, there is a potential to:
1. Solve crimes by identifying suspects.
2. Reduce future violence.
3. Provide justice to survivors and their families.
4. Exonerate innocent parties.
Disclaimer: This project was supported by Grant No. 15PBJA-24-GG-05410-SAKI awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.