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Tracking the violent criminal offender through DNA typing profiles--a national database system concept
F S Baechtel1, K L Monson, G E Forsen
1Forensic Science Research and Training Section, FBI Laboratory, Quantico, Virginia.
EXS
|January 1, 1991
Summary
The FBI created the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) to share DNA typing information nationally. This system links violent crimes and convicted offenders using DNA profiles for improved forensic investigations.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Genetics
- Criminology
Background:
- Standardized restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis methods are crucial for DNA typing.
- Crime laboratories require efficient systems for sharing DNA data nationally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a national computer database system for interchanging DNA typing information.
- To implement the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) for forensic applications.
Main Methods:
- Implementing standard RFLP analysis protocols in US crime laboratories.
- Developing a national database system with multiple integrated sub-indices.
Main Results:
- The FBI Laboratory initiated the planning and implementation of the CODIS system.
- CODIS comprises three key sub-indices: statistical, investigative, and convicted felon databases.
Conclusions:
- CODIS provides an unprecedented opportunity for national DNA information exchange.
- The system enhances the linkage of violent crimes and aids in identifying unknown suspects through DNA profiling.
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