Convicted offender databases

AH 50 states now have convicted offender databases. Initially, most databases exclusively contained sexual offenders, but the recent trend is to expand the databases to include aU felons. States have begun to consider collecting DNA evi-... 

The major application of CE in forensic biology is in the detection and analysis of short tandem repeats (STRs). STR markers are preferred because of the powerful statistical result that is possible with these markers and the large databases that exist for convicted offenders profiles. Other related applications include the analysis of haploid markers in the Y chromosome and in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Nonhuman DNA testing can also be performed depending on the circumstances of the case. The techniques involved include genotyping, DNA sequencing, and mutation detection. 

The FBI has a Combined DNA Index System program that provides software and technical assistance to forensic laboratories across the nation. The system allows all the laboratories to exchange DNA profiles electronically, so that profiles on file can be matched to samples from crime scenes. All states now have laws in place that require certain categories of convicted offenders to submit a DNA sample, which is then placed in the database. 

Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) database that contains the DNA profiles of more than 8 million convicted violent offenders. 

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