What does CODIS stand for in the context of criminal justice DNA databases?

CODIS stands for Combined DNA Index System. This system is crucial in the criminal justice field as it helps in the storage and comparison of DNA profiles from different sources. The primary purpose of CODIS is to assist law enforcement agencies in solving crimes by matching DNA evidence found at crime scenes with profiles stored in the database, which may come from convicted offenders, arrestees, or unidentified remains.

This system allows for the effective sharing of DNA data across jurisdictions, thereby increasing the chances of identifying suspects or solving cold cases. The structure of CODIS, which combines DNA profiles into a central index, facilitates interoperability between state and national databases, enhancing collaboration among law enforcement agencies.

In the provided options, the other answers do not accurately reflect the nature or function of CODIS. They might imply a connection to databases or investigations but do not specify the DNA component inherent in CODIS's purpose. The correct answer encapsulates both the "combined" aspect of data integration and the specific focus on DNA, making it the definitive choice for what CODIS represents in the realm of criminal justice.