What is CODIS?
CODIS=Combined DNA Index System (Kluftinger and Plunkett, 2015)
The FBI’s program of support for criminal justice DNA databases as well as the software used to run these databases. The NDIS is part of CODIS but is the nation level and has DNA profiles from the federal state and local forensics labs. (FBI, 2010)
How does it work?
Why was CODIS designed?
CODIS was established by Congress to assist in providing leads for law enforcement where the suspect was not identified. A “hit” on CODIS gives new information and they are known as investigation aids. (FBI, 2010)
Is there any information stored in the system?
Yes, the DNA profile is stored. Although the DNA profile is stored, no names are stored in the system.
The following information is stored:
CODIS=Combined DNA Index System (Kluftinger and Plunkett, 2015)
The FBI’s program of support for criminal justice DNA databases as well as the software used to run these databases. The NDIS is part of CODIS but is the nation level and has DNA profiles from the federal state and local forensics labs. (FBI, 2010)
How does it work?
- A crime is committed, and DNA is collected from the scene where a profile is developed from the swabs in the kits
- The sample is searched against all the database of convicted offender and arrestee profiles
- If there is a match, the laboratory must confirm this match and obtain the identity of the suspected perpetrator. To ensure there is a match, the laboratories involved have to verify the match and establish a coordination between the 2 agencies.
- The DNA profile is also searched against the Forensic Index, and if there is a match it will have linked two or more crimes together (FBI, 2010)
Why was CODIS designed?
CODIS was established by Congress to assist in providing leads for law enforcement where the suspect was not identified. A “hit” on CODIS gives new information and they are known as investigation aids. (FBI, 2010)
Is there any information stored in the system?
Yes, the DNA profile is stored. Although the DNA profile is stored, no names are stored in the system.
The following information is stored:
- DNA profile=set of identification characteristics at each loci analyzed
- Agency identifier who submitted the DNA
- Specimen Identification Number=assigned when the sample is collected, does NOT correspond to the SIN number, criminal history or correctional facility number
- The DNA lab personnel who preformed the DNA profile analysis