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CODIS, or the Combined DNA Index Systems, is a computer program that contains local, state, and national databases of DNA profiles collected from convicted offenders, DNA profiles from crime scene evidence, and DNA profiles of missing persons.
Having this program allows state, local, and national law enforcement crime labs to compare DNA profiles from a specific crime to the entire database of DNA profiles.
CODIS uses two indexes to organize information in their database:
CODIS searches across both of these indexes for a match. A match made between the Forensic Index and the Convicted Offender Index can provide law enforcement with the identity of a suspect(s).
If you were assaulted before 2000, had a sexual assault exam and evidence collection kit performed and reported the assault to the police, you may want to check on the status of your case in CODIS. Call the Forensics Information line at 866-463-3799.
This project was supported by Grant #2009-WF-AX-0014 awarded by the Violence Against Women Grants Office, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety & Security Office of Grants & Research and subgranted to the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center. Points of view in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice or the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety Programs Division.