A Lincoln burglary case helped the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) record its 200th match for the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Laboratory.
CODIS is a database of DNA
profiles searched against each other to identify any potential matches that can
be used to aid an investigation. A match in CODIS provides officers with a new lead in a case by comparing DNA found in a new case against the DNA records
contained in the database.
"The CODIS database is an
invaluable investigative tool for law enforcement agencies across the state,"
said Colonel David Sankey, Nebraska State Patrol superintendent. "Our Crime
Laboratory takes great pride in maintaining the database and ensuring its
integrity."
Developed by the Federal Bureau
of Investigation (FBI), CODIS was established in 1994 by the DNA Identification
Act and implemented in 1998. One part of CODIS is the National DNA Index System
(NDIS). NDIS contains DNA profiles contributed by federal, state and local
participating forensic laboratories. Currently all 50 states participate in
NDIS.
The NSP Crime Lab is the only
CODIS repository/laboratory in the state. Nebraska is also allowed to collect DNA samples from
all sex offenders and convicted felons.
Currently the NSP Crime
Laboratory receives approximately 6000 offender DNA samples in a year after increasing by large amounts in previous years.
As of August 2012 the NDIS
contained nearly 10 million offender profiles and more than 447,300 forensic
profiles.
Nebraska
currently has 19,181 offender profiles and 1,060 forensic samples in CODIS.
