Experts from the LEPL Levan Samkharauli National Forensics Bureau participated in the CODIS Customer Conference which was held on November 17-19 in the US, Oklahoma, Oklahoma. Over 500 participants from around the world attended the conference. The participants shared experience of working with the data-base.Deputy Head of Biological Forensics Department Tamar Giorkhelidze and expert Ia Ediberidze represented the Bureau at the Conference.
"CODIS" (Combined DNA Index System) is a DNA data-base system developed by FBI in 1994. It is a computer system that collects DNA data and allows to exchange information between all accredited DNA laboratories both, in and outside the country.
The "CODIS" database supports the law enforcement agencies across the world to proceed the genetic identification of individuals, even in their absence; and helps families to find missing people, as well as, identify casualties of war and calamities.
Levan Samkharauli National Forensics Bureau joined "CODIS" data-base in 2012. The National Forensics Bureau has passed accreditation tests and became the only CODIS lab in Transcaucasia. US Department of Drugs and Anti-Narcotics (INL), the key international partner of the Bureau, provided significant assistance in this process.