Combined DNA Index System (CODIS)

Paper Summary:

This paper explains CODIS, which is the 'Combined DNA Index System'. The paper provides the historical information relating to CODIS and discusses why the database was established by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It also explains its use, applications and limitations. The paper then examines the predicted and probable future uses of CODIS.

Table of Contents:
Objective
Introduction
Overview of CODIS
Uses of CODIS
CODIS Applications
CODIS Limitations
Future of CODIS

From the Paper:

"Stated as a limitation of the use of CODIS is that in mass fatality incidents it is reported that each human remain is likely to match several samples. It is not to say a person would go unidentified but instead the limitation would be that individuals would be identified multiple times. Another limitation that exist with the CODIS system is that contamination or degradation of a sample may inhibit the ability to make a genetic profile. (Cheng, Garofalo, Keung, Li, Nguyen, and Wharton, 2006) Instructions provided for avoidance of contamination of degradation of samples are inclusive of the following: (1) "Wear gloves. Change them often; (2) Use disposable instruments or clean them thoroughly before and after handling each sample; (3) Avoid touching the area where you believe DNA may exist; (4) avoid talking, sneezing, and coughing over evidence; (5) Avoid touching your face, nose, and mouth when collecting and packaging evidence; (6) Air-dry evidence thoroughly before packaging; and (7) Put evidence into new paper bags or envelopes, not into plastic bags. Do not use staples." (National Institute of Justice, 2007)"

Sample of Sources Used:

• Combined DNA Index System CODIS (nd) Fast Facts from the DPS. Online available at: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/director_staff/public_information/Fast_facts/Codis.pdf
• CODIS (2007) SAIC. Online available at: http://www.saic.com/justice/codis.html
• Lessons Learned From 9/11: DNA Identification in Mass Fatality Incidents. (2007) President's DNA Initiatives. Online available at: http://www.dna.gov/uses/mass_fatalities/
• Using DNA and Other Resources to Identify Missing Persons (2007) President's DNA Initiative Online available at: http://www.dna.gov/uses/m_person/.
• Langan, P.A., and D.J. Levin, Recidivism of Prisoners Released in 1994, Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2002 (NCJ 193427): 1, 8; Crime in the United States 2002: 221, 223. Burglary had the lowest clearance rate of any Index crime. (Violent crimes are often more rigorously investigated, which explains why their clearance rate is higher than for property crimes.)

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