Impact of CODIS on the Criminal Justice System

• In Event: Uses and Impacts of Police Technologies

Abstract

The Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) is a crucial database used to investigate crimes in the United States. However, while CODIS is widely used, there has only been a handful of program evaluations of this system. Using data gathered from the Impact of Forensic Evidence on Arrest and Prosecution (IFEAP) research project funded by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ-2011-2822), the impact of CODIS on arrest and conviction rates is ascertained. This study provides important insight into issued regarding training and police practice when dealing with crimes where DNA evidence was present in the United States.

Authors

• Kristin Elink-Schuurman-Laura, University of New Haven

• David Schroeder, University of New Haven