Week 10 – Discussion Board Question
Discussion Board #3
The Combined DNA Index Systems, or CODIS, 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. And, when DNA from an unknown person is put into CODIS, it can be compared with DNA profiles from missing persons in the effort to identify John and Jane Does.
• What are the benefits and dilemmas of collecting DNA from people when they are arrested, but before they have been charged with a crime?
• Are certain groups of people affected differently than others by the policies and procedures around DNA collection?
• As a society, how should we balance privacy rights with the rights of crime victims?
Initial post is due Thursday, 10/25/18 by 11:59PM (ET). Responses to at least two other student posts are due Sunday, 10/28/18 by 11:59 PM (ET).
*Remember, engaged and dynamic dialogue in online discussion forums is essential for our collective learning. Participation at minimum levels will not earn maximum scores. If you have any questions about the discussion board, then please refer to the course syllabus before sending me an email. Thank you. CODIS Database CODIS is the acronym for the Combined DNA Index System and is the generic term used to describe the FBI’s program of support for criminal justice DNA databases as well as the software used to run these databases. The National DNA Index System or NDIS is considered one part of CODIS, the national level, containing the DNA profiles contributed by federal, state, and local participating forensic laboratories.
CODIS uses two indexes to organize information in their database:
1. The “Convicted Offender Index” contains DNA profiles of individuals convicted of certain crimes. In Massachusetts, the DNA profile of every adult convicted of a felony is added to the database. Each state sets its own laws governing who is entered into the database.
2. The “Forensic Index” contains DNA profiles from crime scene evidence.
NDIS
NDIS is the acronym for the “National DNA Index System” and is one part of CODIS—the national level—containing the DNA profiles contributed by federal, state, and local participating forensic laboratories. NDIS was implemented in October 1998. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, the federal government, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory, and Puerto Rico participate in NDIS.
