CODIS, the Combined DNA Index System, is a federally funded computer software program used by the FBI and Law Enforcement. DNA is collected when a person is found guilty of a crime and added to a database.Official Site: What is CODIS?
The FBI, along with 15 states that also collect DNA information, decided to expand its collection efforts in April 2009 to include those who are awaiting trial as well as detained immigrants. With this expansion the bureau estimates an additional 1.2 million samples per year by 2012. Privacy rights advocates expressed concern over the expansion of the project, since it would include potentially innocent persons who have never committed a crime.The New York Times: F.B.I. and States Vastly Expand DNA Databases (April 19, 2009)
How CODIS works
When a crime is committed, investigators cross reference DNA collected at the crime scene with DNA data stored in the forensic index of profiles. The CODIS program then searches for a potential match.Official Site: How Does CODIS Work? While the CODIS program has added robotic processing to help speed up the entry of profiles into the system, there is still a backlog of over 500,000. Coordinators are hoping to be caught up with the backlog (including the expanded target groups) by 2012.
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Established by Congress in 1994
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Congress gave the Justice Department authority to expand DNA collection bill in 2006
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Began with DNA collected from sex offenders
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Expanded collection initially led to all convicted criminals
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Recent expansion, along with 15 states, included all arrestees of federal crimes regardless of convictionThe New York Times: F.B.I. and States Vastly Expand DNA Databases (April 19, 2009)
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