Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) is a database of convicted offenders in the state of West Virginia. The Marshall University CODIS Laboratory is part of a national effort to connect all state police CODIS labs to the national database located at the FBI Center in Clarksburg, WV.

Department of Corrections officials collect blood samples from certain convicted offenders. The West Virginia State Police (WVSP) receive blood samples and assign a bar code to each sample. Marshall University CODIS Laboratories receive bar-coded, anonymous samples and create distinct DNA profiles. This process can be viewed via our CODIS Process slide show.

DNA profiles are electronically sent to the WVSP over a secure network. The WVSP enter DNA profiles into the state CODIS database. The WVSP send profiles to the FBI National DNA Index System over a Wide Area Network (CJIS-WAN) to Clarksburg.

The work of the Marshall University CODIS Laboratory is supported by the State of West Virginia, through 1994 Senate Bill 252, which establishes this laboratory as the contracted DNA databasing laboratory for the state. The laboratory also receives funding through cooperative agreements with the National Institute of Justice, Office of Science and Technology, Investigative and Forensic Sciences Division.

For additional information on CODIS, please visit the FBI CODIS Program site.