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CODIS (Combined DNA Index System).

CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) is a national DNA database that is maintained by the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) in the United States. CODIS is used to store DNA profiles obtained from crime scenes, as well as DNA profiles from convicted offenders and arrestees. The database allows law enforcement agencies to compare DNA evidence from crime scenes to DNA profiles in the database to help identify suspects and solve crimes.

CODIS is composed of three levels, each containing a different type of DNA profile:

  1. Local DNA Index System (LDIS): This is the first level of CODIS, and it is used by local or state crime laboratories to store DNA profiles obtained from crime scenes.
  2. State DNA Index System (SDIS): This is the second level of CODIS, and it is used by each state to store DNA profiles of convicted offenders and arrestees.
  3. National DNA Index System (NDIS): This is the third level of CODIS, and it is used by the FBI to search DNA profiles from all participating states.

CODIS has been instrumental in solving many high-profile criminal cases and has helped to exonerate innocent individuals who were wrongly convicted. However, CODIS has also been the subject of controversy, particularly regarding the collection of DNA from individuals who have been arrested but not yet convicted of a crime. Critics argue that this practice violates Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable search and seizure.

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