What is CODIS?
The Combined DNA Index System (CODIS+mito) is an electronic database of DNA profiles that combines computer and DNA technologies as an effective tool for solving missing persons’ cases beyond the scope of fingerprints or dental records. The database maintains two indices of DNA profiles. The first is an index of DNA profiles of relatives of missing persons and the second includes profiles of unidentified human remains. The database allows local, state, and federal agencies the capability of exchanging and comparing DNA profiles for potential matches. Stored CODIS information has secure access privileges and is maintained by the FBI. This database includes the following categories of DNA records: • Unidentified Human Remains – UHR: DNA profiles from unidentified human remains • Family Reference Samples – FRS: DNA profiles from relatives of missing persons • Direct Reference Samples – DRS: DNA profiles from the missing person CODIS+mito also supports a Population file. The Population fil
CODIS stands for Combined DNA Index System. It is a national system of computer databases designed by the FBI that enables federal, state and local laboratories to store and compare DNA profiles electronically. Once a profile is developed a database search of all the convicted offenders is conducted. Any matching profiles in the database are utilized to generate investigative leads in crimes, possibly link serial crimes to each other as well as identify potential suspects. A CODIS match is meant to provide an investigative lead to help resolve unsolved cases. Further investigation must be conducted to determine any possible involvement of the convicted offender, arrestee, or the perpetrator to the unsolved case in question.
CODIS stands for Combined DNA Index System. It is a national system of computer databases designed by the FBI to store DNA profiles from convicted offenders as well as crime scene evidence. Any DNA profile developed from the evidence in a case with no suspects can then be searched against the databases, and possible investigative leads developed from any matching profiles in the database.
CODIS is a computer software program that operates local, State, and national databases of DNA profiles from convicted offenders, unsolved crime scene evidence, and missing persons. Every State in the USA has a statutory provision for the establishment of a DNA database that allows for the collection of DNA profiles from offenders convicted of particular crimes. The CODIS databse is a system of pointers; the database only contains information necessary for making matches. A record in the CODIS database, known as a CODIS profile, consists of a specimen identifier, an identifier for the laboratory responsible for the profile, and the results of the DNA analysis (known as the DNA profile). Other than the DNA profile, CODIS does not contain any personal identity information. CODIS does not store criminal history information, case-related information, social security numbers or dates-of-birth.
