Understanding CODIS Hits as a Performance Metric

• In Event: Wrongful Convictions, CODIS, and Sexual Assault Case Processing: Findings from the Urban Institute’s Forensics Research Portfolio

Abstract

The Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) is a multi-level database for comparison of DNA evidence from criminal cases. The utility of the database is often considered in terms of “hits” produced or investigations aided. In this presentation, we provide the results of our examination of forensic lab and CODIS data and discuss possible additional performance metrics.

Authors

• Kelly Walsh, Urban Institute

• Dave McClure, Urban Institute

• Abigail Flynn, Urban Institute