Aim: How is genetics used in law enforcement?

Do now: What is CODIS?

How do you know when to copy a slide?

CODISMission

“The CODIS Unit manages the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) and the National DNA Index System (NDIS) and is responsible for developing, providing, and supporting the CODIS Program to federal, state, and local crime laboratories in the United States and selected international law enforcement crime laboratories to foster the exchange and comparison of forensic DNA evidence from violent crime investigations. The CODIS Unit also provides administrative management and support to the FBI for various advisory boards, Department of Justice (DOJ) grant programs, and legislation regarding DNA.”

CODIS Cont’“DNA technology was first introduced in criminal court

cases around 1988. When the FBI saw the potential for exchanging and comparing DNA profiles to help solve crimes—crimes that might not be solved in any other way—the concept of a national program was born. In 1994, Congress passed the DNA Identification Act, which gave the FBI authority to establish a national database. During the next few years, the FBI developed, tested, and implemented the CODIS software as well as training support for states authorized to collect DNA samples from offenders. In 1998, NDIS started with nine participating states. Now, all 50 states participate, and NDIS currently contains over 10 million DNA profiles.”

What is the Science of DNA Fingerprinting?Proving that a suspect's DNA matches a

sample left at the scene of a crime. It requires two things:Creating a DNA profile using basic molecular

biology protocols.Applying the principles of population genetics

to prove a match.

How can DNA be used to identify an individual?Almost every cell in our bodies contains DNA, the genetic

material that programs how cells work.

99.9 percent of human DNA is the same in everyone.

There are about 3.2 billion DNA base pairs in the Human Genome.

If about 0.10 percent is different, that’s about 3 million base pairs that are unique. More than enough to provide profiles that accurately identify a person.

The only exception is identical twins, who share 100 percent identical DNA.

If people are blood relatives, is their DNA similar?Blood relatives share more similar DNA than

do unrelated individuals. If the DNA profiles from the evidence and a suspect are similar but not identical, blood relatives of the suspect may be investigated.

What about human error?To detect possible contamination of samples,

evidence DNA profiles are often compared with those from detectives, the victim, a randomly chosen person or a DNA profile from a database.

Is DNA evidence alone enough to acquit or convict?It is easier to exclude a suspect than

to convict someone based on a DNA match.

Forensic DNA is just one of many types of evidence. The more evidence collected, the less likely it is that samples from a particular suspect were planted, either on purpose or by accident, at the crime scene.

Can DNA evidence exonerate wrongfully convicted prisoners?The Innocence Project aims to exonerate

prisoners wrongfully convicted of crimes. They use DNA profiling evidence to support

the re-evaluation of criminal cases. Since 1992, the Innocence Project has

exonerated over 100 prisoners, including eight who were on death row - one of whom was only five days from execution.

Is this technology used appropriately for justice?DNA profiling can be a powerful tool in criminal

investigations. Its success in the courtroom depends upon many factors, including:

Proper handling of evidenceCareful analysis by an unbiased forensic laboratoryFair and appropriate interpretation of the resultsAccurate and effective reporting of results to judges and jurors

When used correctly, DNA profiling is a powerful forensic tool. It can be used to quickly eliminate a suspect, saving time in searches for perpetrators. And it can provide compelling evidence to support a conviction and, most importantly, reduce the chances of a wrongful conviction.

ActivityYou will now take 5 mins for free writing.

Should the government require all citizens to regester a sample of DNA with CODIS?Why or Why not?

Would you volunteer a sample?Why or Why not?