N.M. Stat. § 29-16-4 — NM Code / Chapter 29 / Article 16 / Section 29-16-4
§ 29-16-4. Administrative center; powers and duties; head; location; written agreement
Status: in_force

A. The administrative center shall:

(1) establish and administer the DNA identification system. The DNA identification system shall provide for collection, storage, DNA testing, maintenance and comparison of samples and DNA records for forensic and humanitarian purposes. Those purposes shall include generation of investigative leads, statistical analysis of DNA profiles and identification of missing persons and unidentified human remains. Procedures used for DNA testing shall be compatible with the procedures the federal bureau of investigation has specified, including comparable test procedures, laboratory equipment, supplies and computer software. Procedures used shall meet or exceed the provisions of the federal DNA Identification Act of 1994 1 regarding minimum standards for state participation in CODIS, including minimum standards for the acceptance, security and dissemination of DNA records;

(2) coordinate sample collection activities;

(3) perform or contract for DNA testing;

(4) serve as a repository for samples and DNA records;

(5) act as liaison with the federal bureau of investigation for purposes of CODIS;

(6) adopt rules and procedures governing:

(a) sample collection;

(b) DNA testing;

(c) the DNA identification system and DNA records;

(d) the acceptance, security and dissemination of DNA records; and

(e) communication between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, the corrections department and local jails and detention facilities in order to minimize duplicate sample collections from the same individual;

(7) provide training to jail and detention facility personnel who are required to collect samples pursuant to Section 29-3-10 NMSA 1978;

(8) be reimbursed for, pursuant to the DNA Identification Act, the costs of sample collection and DNA testing of samples taken for the purposes of the identification of missing persons and unidentified human remains;

(9) establish and administer the missing persons DNA identification system as a part of the DNA identification system; and

(10) establish and administer the sex offender DNA identification system as part of the DNA identification system.

B. The chief of the law enforcement agency where the administrative center is located shall select the head of the administrative center with the approval of six members of the DNA oversight committee. The head of the administrative center shall manage the operations of the administrative center and shall have the education and experience to meet or exceed the requirements for a technical leader or a CODIS administrator pursuant to the federal bureau of investigation's quality assurance standards.

C. The administrative center shall be located at the crime laboratory of the law enforcement agency for the largest municipality in a class A county having a population of more than five hundred thousand at the most recent federal decennial census. If a relocation of the administrative center is required for continued compliance with the provisions of the DNA Identification Act, the DNA oversight committee shall designate any future locations of the administrative center upon approval of six voting members of the committee.

D. The DNA oversight committee shall enter into a written agreement with the law enforcement agency where the administrative center is located and may designate the attorney general to enter into the agreement on its behalf and with its approval.