U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

Combined DNA Index System (CODIS)

The Increased Value of Forensic Science to Lead Gun Crime Investigations Compressed

January 2024

Numerous crime laboratories have witnessed a surge in gun-related evidence submissions, leading to an increased demand for DNA testing and entry into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) for firearms-related investigations. Simultaneously, the forensic value of firearms analysis has substantially grown, owing to advancements in DNA technology and the expansion of the NIBIN database. Consequently, several forensic labs have established dedicated units specifically focused on comprehensive firearms analysis.

Solving Violent Crime Through Lawfully Owed DNA: Outcomes of Efforts to Address Missed DNA Samples

April 2023

This presentation explores the issue of lawfully “owed” DNA, which is a DNA sample from a qualifying offender who should have their DNA sample in CODIS (based on applicable state law), but from whom a sample has never been collected or submitted to a lab for testing.

Advancing Justice for the Missing and Unidentified Through Research - 2024 NIJ Research Conference

September 2024

Forensic science research is developing essential knowledge to fill in the holes in death investigations, creating new ways to identify challenging skeletal remains. These methods inform cause of death, time of death, and familial relationships to guide investigations, identify suspects, support prosecutions, and bring justice to families.

Cold Cases and Serial Killers, Part 1

September 2023

In April 2018, the Golden State Killer, Joseph DeAngelo was arrested. NIJ support helped lead to his arrest, and in the aftermath of the arrest, NIJ Social Science Analyst Eric Martin was among those tasked with finding other cases NIJ helped law enforcement solve. Eric joins the show to talk about some of those cases, and answer some broader questions about serial killers: What is a serial killer? Are they on the rise? How do we know how many serial killers are currently active?