CODIS (Combined DNA Index System)
Definition
The FBI-managed software architecture for the US national forensic DNA database, operating through a three-tier structure of local (LDIS), state (SDIS), and national (NDIS) index systems.
- Management
- Operated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Structure
- Three-tier system: local (LDIS), state (SDIS), and national (NDIS) index systems
- Primary use
- Forensic DNA database for profile matching in criminal investigations
Common questions
What is CODIS and who manages it?+
CODIS is the Combined DNA Index System, the FBI-managed software architecture that runs the US national forensic DNA database. It operates through a three-tier structure: local databases (LDIS), state databases (SDIS), and the national database (NDIS) for profile matching and investigation support.
What is the CODIS core locus set?+
The CODIS core locus set defines the minimum DNA loci required for a profile to be uploaded to the National DNA Index System (NDIS). This standardized set ensures consistency across jurisdictions and enables reliable matching between profiles in the database.
How does CODIS help forensic investigations?+
By maintaining DNA profiles from crime scenes and convicted offenders across multiple jurisdictional levels, CODIS allows investigators to search for matches that may link crimes together or identify suspects. The tiered structure lets local and state agencies query their own databases before escalating to the national level.
Related terms
- Amelogenin
- A gene on both the X and Y chromosomes used for sex determination in forensic STR kits. The X-allele amplicon is approximately...
- DNA Technology Bill 2019
- India's pending legislation proposing the creation of a national DNA database (NDDB) and a profiling regulatory framework. Passed the Lok Sabha in...
- ESS (European Standard Set)
- The set of STR loci required for profiles entered into EU national databases participating in Prüm cross-border DNA exchange. Currently aligned with...
- EU Prüm Framework
- The legal framework created by Council Decisions 2008/615/JHA and 2008/616/JHA allowing automated hit/no-hit cross-border searching between EU member states' national DNA, fingerprint,...
- INTERPOL DNA Gateway
- INTERPOL's secure server for cross-national DNA profile comparison, hosted in Lyon. As of 2023, fifty-nine member countries contribute profiles.
- Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG)
- A forensic identification technique that uploads a crime-scene DNA profile to a consumer genealogy database, identifies partial matches suggesting distant family relationships,...
- Maryland V. King (2013)
- US Supreme Court decision holding that the collection of a DNA sample from an individual arrested for a serious offence does not...
- NDIS (National DNA Index System)
- The uppermost tier of the US CODIS architecture, holding profiles contributed by all US federal and state DNA database programs. As of...
- NDNAD
- National DNA Database (UK); the world's first national forensic DNA database, established in 1995, operated by the National DNA Database Strategy Board....
- Prüm Decisions
- EU Council Decisions 2008/615/JHA and 2008/616/JHA requiring EU member states to allow automated cross-border DNA database comparison using a hit/no-hit system.
- S and Marper V. UK (2008)
- European Court of Human Rights Grand Chamber judgment holding that indefinite retention of fingerprints, cellular samples, and DNA profiles of unconvicted individuals...
- SDDIS
- System for DNA Data and Index Support; the proposed national DNA database architecture under India's DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill...
Explained in these topics
- CODIS 20, the European Standard Set and India's NDIS Locus StandardsThe US national DNA database system managed by the FBI. The CODIS core locus set defines the minimum loci required for profile upload to the National DNA Index...
- National DNA Databases: NDIS, NDNAD, India's Bill and EU PrumThe FBI-managed software architecture for the US national forensic DNA database, operating through a three-tier structure of local (LDIS), state (SDIS), and na...