FDC FDC DNA Databases & CODIS 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does CODIS stand for in the context of forensic DNA?
- Combined DNA Index System (Correct answer)
- Centralized DNA Information Service
- Criminal DNA Offender Index System
- Coordinated Database Investigation System
Correct answer: Combined DNA Index System
CODIS stands for Combined DNA Index System, the FBI's national DNA database infrastructure used to link forensic DNA profiles.
Question 2: Which tier of CODIS is maintained at the national level by the FBI?
- LDIS
- SDIS
- NDIS (Correct answer)
- FDIS
Correct answer: NDIS
NDIS (National DNA Index System) is the highest tier of CODIS, maintained by the FBI and containing profiles from all participating states.
Question 3: Which DNA profile index in CODIS contains profiles from unsolved crime scenes?
- Offender Index
- Arrestee Index
- Forensic Index (Correct answer)
- Missing Persons Index
Correct answer: Forensic Index
The Forensic Index contains DNA profiles developed from crime scene evidence collected during unsolved criminal investigations.
Question 4: What is the minimum number of STR loci currently required for a CODIS core profile?
- 13
- 15
- 20 (Correct answer)
- 25
Correct answer: 20
In 2017, CODIS expanded from 13 to 20 core STR loci to improve discrimination power and international compatibility.
Question 5: A 'candidate match' in CODIS must be confirmed by which process?
- Peer review of the electropherogram
- Re-extraction and re-analysis of the original evidence sample (Correct answer)
- Comparison by a second analyst of the same profile
- Verification that both profiles meet NDIS standards
Correct answer: Re-extraction and re-analysis of the original evidence sample
A CODIS candidate match requires confirmation through re-analysis of the original evidence, not just comparison of the database profiles.
Question 6: Which federal law governs the collection, storage, and use of DNA profiles in the national CODIS database?
- Brady Act
- DNA Identification Act of 1994 (Correct answer)
- Innocence Protection Act
- Patriot Act
Correct answer: DNA Identification Act of 1994
The DNA Identification Act of 1994 authorized the FBI to establish CODIS and set legal requirements for DNA profile use and data security.
FDC FDC DNA Databases & CODIS 1
What does CODIS stand for in the context of forensic DNA?