CODIS is computer software that can help prevent and solve violent crimes through a unique combination of DNA and computer technologies. CODIS stands for either Combined DNA Index System or Convicted Offender DNA Index System. Used as a tool to generate or confirm leads in a criminal investigation, CODIS is divided into four different indexes:
- Convicted Offender
- Forensic
- Missing Persons
The Convicted Offender Indexcontains the results of DNA tests that were performed on convicted felons. Every state has laws which dictated which crimes make it mandatory for the offender to provide a DNA sample that will be included in CODIS. The laws vary, but all states use CODIS.
The Forensic Index contains results of DNA tests that were conducted on biological crime scene evidence including blood, saliva or semen. Cross-comparisons of the DNA profiles has uncovered serial crimes.
The Missing Persons Index is made up of two indexes: unidentified and reference. DNA profile results from recovered remains including hair or bone fragments are stored in the unidentified index. The reference index stores DNA profiles taken from relatives of missing persons. Two indexes are often compared with each other searching for matches.
Local, State and Federal
DNA profiles are stored in CODIS and can be controlled at the local level or compared against state or national databases. A local installation of CODIS is called a Local DNA Index System (LDIS). Once the profile exists in the LDIS it can be compared to other data in the LDIS or it can be sent to the next level.
- SDIS, or State DNA Index System is run at the state agency level and can be used to compare data from various LDIS
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NDIS, or National DNA Index System is run by the FBI, and can be used by forensic labs across the country to compare DNA profiles
Considerations
CODIS is a valuable investigative search tool because many violent criminals are recidivists, and DNA evidence from an active investigation compared with the Convicted Offender Index may uncover the identity of a suspect. Different crimes can be linked together with DNA profiles that have been compared using CODIS.
The suitability of the physical evidence for this type of profiling and comparison can be brought into question depending on the age of the evidence, how and where it was stored, and what other forensic tests may have been performed on the evidence in the past.
Get Legal Help
If you have been charged with a crime based on DNA evidence seek legal help immediately. An experienced criminal defense attorney will examine the process of evidence gathering and the validity of test results. It is important for you to protect your rights as soon as possible by retaining an attorney who will represent your best interests.
