Introduction
CODIS or Combined DNA Index System is a national DNA database that collects and stores DNA profiles from convicted offenders, arrestees, and forensic evidence. It was established in 1998 by the FBI and has since been used to solve countless criminal cases. The purpose of this comprehensive guide is to help you understand what type of information CODIS collects, how it works, and its impact on the criminal justice system.
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What Types of DNA Samples Does CODIS Collect?
CODIS collects three types of DNA samples, including:
– Forensic DNA: This type of DNA is collected from crime scenes, such as blood stains, semen, and hair follicles, and is used to identify suspects.
– Offender DNA: This type of DNA is collected from individuals who have been convicted of certain crimes or who are required to provide a DNA sample under state or federal law.
– Arrestee DNA: Some states allow DNA samples to be collected from individuals who have been arrested for specific offenses.
How Does CODIS Work?
CODIS works by comparing DNA profiles obtained from crime scene evidence with DNA profiles in its database. The process involves three main steps:
– DNA Collection: DNA is collected from crime scene evidence, suspects, and convicted offenders and is then processed in a lab to create a DNA profile.
– DNA Analysis: The DNA profile is analyzed and compared to profiles in the CODIS database to identify a possible match.
– Investigative Lead: If a match is found, the information is used as an investigative lead to help identify a suspect or link suspects to multiple crimes.
What Impact Does CODIS Have on the Criminal Justice System?
CODIS has had a significant impact on the criminal justice system by helping law enforcement agencies identify and convict suspects in countless criminal cases. It has also been instrumental in exonerating innocent individuals who were wrongly convicted of crimes.
In addition, CODIS has played a role in solving cold cases that were previously unsolvable due to a lack of evidence. It has also helped identify serial offenders who have committed multiple crimes over a period of years.
Example of CODIS in Action
One example of CODIS in action involves the notorious Golden State Killer, who committed a series of rapes and murders in California in the 1970s and 80s. For years, law enforcement agencies were unable to identify the offender, but in 2018, they used DNA evidence from the crime scenes to create a DNA profile. The profile was then uploaded to CODIS, where it was matched to a relative of the suspect. Using this information, investigators were able to identify and arrest Joseph James DeAngelo, who was later convicted of the crimes.
Conclusion
CODIS is a vital tool in the fight against crime and has helped law enforcement agencies solve countless cases and bring criminals to justice. By understanding what information CODIS collects and how it works, we can appreciate its importance in the criminal justice system and the impact it has on our society.
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