The current CODIS software is designed for the storage and searching of short tandem repeat (STR) profiles. The same version of the software is used by all participating laboratories at the local, state, and federal levels. Although the main version of CODIS is for handling STR results, a separate version exists for the entry and searching of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) profiles.
The four primary functions of the current CODIS software are:
- DNA profile entry and management: the function dealing with the database DNA profiles.
- Searching: the function allowing a search of database DNA profiles.
- Match management: the function managing search results. For example, it allows a laboratory to record and distinguish whether a particular match is an offender hit or a forensic hit, and whether the match is within or outside of the state.
- Statistical calculations: the function enabling laboratory personnel to calculate profile statistics, based on the laboratory's or FBI's population frequency data .
A weekly search is conducted of all DNA profiles in the National DNA Index System (NDIS), and resulting profile matches are automatically returned to laboratories that submitted them. This communication between CODIS laboratories and NDIS is accomplished via the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Service-Wide Area Network (CJIS-WAN). The CJIS-WAN is a secure intranet that allows data transmission between computers on the closed network.02 All communications between a state laboratory's CODIS software and NDIS, as well as communications between CODIS software in different states, are conducted via the CJIS-WAN.
A CODIS Web site is maintained by the FBI on the CJIS-WAN, accessible only to CODIS laboratories. The website contains such information as summaries of state DNA database laws, nationwide DNA hit counts, and NDIS information.
The FBI provides CODIS software to all public forensic laboratories at no cost. However, the cost of the computer hardware and all support software is the laboratory's responsibility. Upgrades and technical support of the software is also provided free to all laboratories. Copies of CODIS software provided to some foreign countries are stand-alone copies not connected to the CODIS network in the United States.
The FBI provides CODIS software to all public forensic laboratories at no cost. However, the cost of the computer hardware and all support software is the laboratory's responsibility. Upgrades and technical support of the software is also provided free to all laboratories. Copies of CODIS software provided to some foreign countries are stand-alone copies not connected to the CODIS network in the United States.
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