The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) Crime Laboratory has recorded its 200th match through the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). The 200th hit, involved DNA from a Lincoln burglary case.
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 CODIS hit provides new investigative information on a case by comparing a target DNA record against the DNA records contained in the database.
“The CODIS data base is an invaluable investigative tool for law enforcement agencies across the state,” said Colonel David Sankey, Superintendent Nebraska State Patrol. “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. In 1997, Nebraska passed the DNA Detection of Sexual and Violent Offenders Act allowing for the collection of DNA from state offenders convicted of felony sex and other specified offenses. In 2010, the Sex Offender Registration Act and the DNA Identification Information Act were amended to allow for the collection of DNA samples from all sex offenders and convicted felons.
From 1997 to 2005, the NSP Crime laboratory received approximately 300 offender DNA samples a year. In 2006, the number doubled to approximately 600 samples. Today, the NSP Crime Laboratory receives approximately 6000 offender DNA samples in a year.
On a weekly basis the NSP Crime Lab searches its DNA records to see if there is a match in the database. If there is a match, CODIS automatically returns messages in the system to the laboratories involved. The local labs then evaluate the materials and release the information to the law enforcement agency working the case.
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.