CODIS

Combined DNA Index System

The Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) is a powerful software and database system used by the Utah Bureau of Forensic Services to link DNA profiles from crime scenes to a vast database of DNA profiles from convicted offenders, arrestees, and other sources.

CODIS and the DNA Database

What is CODIS?

The Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) is a powerful program and database system managed by the FBI.

It allows crime scene DNA profiles to be searched against a vast database of DNA profiles from convicted offenders, arrestees, and other sources to help resolve suspect-less cases.

Large computers have screens showing DNA molecules

A forensic scientist analyzing convicted offender and arrestee samples for the DNA database.

Utah's DNA database

Utah’s DNA Database is part of the State DNA Index System (SDIS).

It contains DNA profiles from crime scene samples, convicted offenders, arrestees, and missing persons.

The data is anonymous and does not contain personal information, and it's housed on a separate and secure server.

Sample collection

DNA samples are collected by various law enforcement agencies, jails, and prisons across the state and sent to the UBFS for processing. Since a person’s DNA profile does not change over time, only one sample per person needs to be collected.

Samples are uploaded into the CODIS database where matches are searched for

How we use the database

Searches for DNA matches, or "hits," are performed at local, state, and national levels within CODIS.

Verifying a CODIS hit

When a hit is returned, it is reviewed for accuracy by the UBFS CODIS Administrator, who strictly monitors and controls the verification process. This review is done as a precautionary measure to ensure there are no issues with data entry. After a valid hit is confirmed, the law enforcement agency is notified of the match.

The next steps

A CODIS hit provides an investigative lead but doesn't guarantee a prosecution or conviction. The law enforcement agency must then request a new, formal DNA sample from the individual for comparison, which can then be presented as evidence in court.

Illustration shows matching of DNA both full and partial

Report - Investigative Lead for Law Enforcement Agencies

Reports with offender PII

Investigate whether the identified person is the putative perpetrator of the referenced case.
Not Perpetrator - Notify UBFS to have specimen removed from CODIS.
Perpetrator: Collect a standard and submit it to the crime lab under the referenced case for statistics. State that the offender profile from CODIS cannot be used for casework statistics because it lacks a chain of custody.

Reports with another forensic case's information

Make contact to share and compare case information (within & outside LEA)
One of the cases has a putative perp standard that was processed by the UBFS. Request UBFS to use the profile to perform stats for the case. Not your agency's putative perpatrator standard, obtain written permission from the other LEA to use the profile from their case. Otherwise, if the putative perpetrator can be determined, collect and submit a standard to the casework lab.

Definitions

CODIS Solved Case - The case has a report with offender PII, or a putative perpetrator's standard was submitted to the casework lab with a favorable likelihood ratio statistic.
CODIS Unsolved Case - No offender hits and no casework standard.