What is the purpose of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS)?

The purpose of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) is to create and manage DNA profiles specifically for criminal cases. CODIS serves as a database that enables law enforcement agencies to compare DNA samples collected from crime scenes with DNA profiles from known offenders and other unsolved cases. By establishing a national network of DNA samples, CODIS aids in identifying suspects, linking serial offenses, and exonerating innocent individuals.

Creating DNA profiles for criminal investigations is a crucial aspect of solving crimes, as it provides law enforcement with powerful forensic evidence. This capability is not intended for storing mitochondrial DNA samples, analyzing environmental DNA, or tracking the lineage of animals, which fall outside the main focus of CODIS. Thus, the success of CODIS in helping law enforcement is evident in its capacity to support investigations through DNA technology, making it a vital tool in modern criminal justice.