The American DNA database. CODIS is an acronym for Combined DNA Index System. It's a computerized framework for storing, maintaining, tracking, and searching DNA specimen information. Currently, convicted offenders are the only people put onto the database, but many(the ACLU for example) are fearfull of the future uses that the government may find for it, and that it is an infringement upon American'srights to privacy. At present, CODIS consists of three distinct levels: the National DNA Index System, State DNA Index System, and Local DNA Index System.
According to the FBI web site:" CODIS has recorded more than 500 matches linking serial violent crimes to each other or identifying suspects by matching crime scene evidence to known convicted offenders. These matches have aided more than 1,000 violent crime investigations."