CODIS
In 1998, the Federal Bureau of Investigation introduced its first “national” DNA database that covered nine states. Today, the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) encompasses all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory, and the federal government.
The purpose of CODIS is to assist in linking crime scene evidence to other cases or offenders within the criminal system, as well as to help identify missing or unidentified individuals, by blending forensic science and computer technology. It allows police from multiple jurisdictions to share evidence and leads in order to work together to find candidate matches. There are three CODIS levels: local (individual laboratories), state, and national.
According to the FBI National Press Office, in 2021, CODIS became one of the most valuable U.S. investigative tools when its 20 millionth DNA profile was entered into the system.
Crime laboratories that perform DNA analysis and testing are only able to enter DNA profiles into CODIS if certain eligibility criteria are met. As follows:
- DNA must be crime scene evidence associated with the commission of a crime.
- DNA must be believed to be collected from the perpetrator and not from their possessions.
- DNA must be of sufficient quantity.
- The National Institute of Justice provides a pamphlet explaining how the forensic biology used for CODIS is handled.
Arizona crime labs will submit DNA to CODIS if it meets the required eligibility criteria. Arizona has seven CODIS labs:
- Phoenix Police Department Laboratory Services Bureau
- Mesa Police Department Forensic Services
- Scottsdale Police Department Crime Lab
- Tucson Police Department Crime Laboratory
- DPS Central Regional Crime Laboratory in Phoenix
- DPS Northern Regional Crime Laboratory in Flagstaff
- DPS Southern Regional Crime Laboratory in Tucson
As of August 2023, the state of Arizona had 405,176 DNA profiles of offenders in the CODIS system, leading to 66,879 arrests, as provided by an FBI analysis.
RIDEOUT LAW GROUP
With offices in Lake Havasu City and Scottsdale, our firm serves the entire state of Arizona, with a particular focus on criminal defense, family law, and juvenile cases.
Our goal is for the best outcome for your criminal case, which can include:
- charges that are reduced or dropped.
- top experts reviewing your case.
- aggressive negotiations with the prosecution for plea bargains.
- fines or probation in lieu of jail time.
At Rideout Law Group, our attorneys are able to expertly examine the evidence in your case to provide a strong strategy for argument that leads to an outcome that is most favorable to you. We have experience in all types of criminal cases for both adults and juveniles, with positive outcomes both in plea negotiations as well as jury trial settings.
Call us today for a free consultation at 480-584-3328.