Number of individual and trace profiles in CODIS
At the end of 2023, the CODIS database contained 172,415 profiles of individuals and 118,778 profiles generated from trace samples collected from crime scenes.
Number of matches
The DNA Coordination Unit at the Institute of Forensic Medicine of the University of Zurich compares DNA profiles with those in the national DNA database and analyses the results on behalf of the Confederation. The results are subsequently transmitted via a secure data transmission system to fedpol’s Biometric Identification Division, which operates the CODIS database. The coded evaluation results and the personal and case data are then forwarded to the relevant law enforcement service.
When an individual DNA profile is identical to a trace DNA profile, the database turns up a match. DNA matches play an important role in solving crime, both for the prosecution and the defence. Of all the cases recorded, DNA matches are much more frequent in serious offences such as homicide or robbery than in cases involving theft or property damage.
In 2023, the database turned up 6,853 matches between trace and individual profiles in the following categories:
| No of matches | Category of crime |
|---|---|
| 115 | Attack |
| 623 | Drugs offences |
| 18 |
Fraud |
| 36 |
Arson |
| 2059 |
Theft |
| 153 |
Various |
| 17 |
Threatening behaviour |
| 2834 |
Burglary |
| 3 |
Extortion and blackmail |
| 6 |
Endangering the life of others |
| 0 | Hostage taking |
| 33 |
Unlawful entry |
| 170 |
Assault |
| 7 |
Removal of a corpse |
| 1 |
Human trafficking |
| 74 |
Homicide / murder |
| 163 |
Robbery |
| 24 |
Brawling |
| 285 |
Damage to property |
| 98 |
Sexual acts / coercion / rape |
| 5 |
Offences involving explosives / toxic gas |
| 118 |
Traffic offences |
| 11 | Weapons offences |
| 6853 |
The database turned up a further 1,878 matches between trace profiles. These matches provide important information about possible links between cases.
Any person can apply in writing to fedpol for information on whether their DNA profile is registered in the database, enclosing their personal data and a copy of their passport or identity card:
Federal Office of Police
Legal Affairs Section
Guisanplatz 1A
CH - 3003 Bern
Last modification 02.05.2024
