Office of the Medical Examiner Crime Lab Announces 1K Hits in CODIS
Published on September 16, 2025
During National Forensic Science Week, Allegheny County Recognizes the Accomplishments of the Medical Examiner Forensic Biology Unit
Pittsburgh – Today the Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner announced that employees in the Forensic Biology Unit have recorded 1,000 “informative hits” in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). CODIS is a computer software program provided by the FBI that compares DNA profiles at the local, state, and national levels. The Forensic Biology Unit has been utilizing the CODIS system for approximately 20 years. A hit is when there is a positive association between DNA obtained from a crime scene and either DNA from another crime scene or to a known offender sample. One thousand informative hits is a major milestone for the Medical Examiner’s office and criminal justice system in Allegheny County.
Mandy Tinkey, Laboratory Director for the Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner, said: “Reaching 1,000 informative hits in the CODIS DNA Database is evidence of the continued dedication and collaboration to provide investigative information for the public safety initiatives in Allegheny County. I want to congratulate the hardworking and talented staff in the Forensic Biology Unit for reaching this impressive number.”
Ashley Platt, scientist in the Forensic Biology Unit, said: “Reaching this milestone is a wonderful moment. This achievement is more than just a number to us; it reflects years of diligent work and dedication by those within the section.”
These hits have provided law enforcement with information about local crimes such as homicides, sexual assaults, robberies, and burglaries, connecting them to cases and offenders across the state and nationwide. In recent years, the nine scientists working in the Forensic Biology Unit have completed an average of over 400 cases per year.
The Forensic Biology Unit’s laboratory and casework analysis is funded through a mix of county operating funds and federal grants. Learn more about National Forensic Science Week here.
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For contact information, including email addresses and telephone numbers, visit the office website.