CODIS Phase III (Specialized Forensics IT Equipment)

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is an instrumental leader in the development of policies and programs to combat international narcotics and crime. Within the framework of the United States-Mexico bilateral relationship, both countries are committed to pursuing and bringing criminals to justice, ensuring continuity in activities that strengthen joint efforts. This project builds the capacity of Mexican forensic laboratories and practitioners by providing equipment, training, and support for international accreditation. It also fosters collaboration among investigators, analysts, prosecutors, and other stakeholders.

By enhancing forensic analysis and promoting data-driven investigations, the initiative improves the resolution of homicides and related cases, generates actionable intelligence, and enables law enforcement to dismantle transnational criminal networks. These efforts directly advance U.S. national security interests by reducing cross-border threats and improving public safety through more effective intelligence sharing and investigative precision.

As part of the first and second phases of the Government of Mexico (GOM) National Genetics Database / Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Project, the INL Forensics Program delivered IT equipment in 2020 and 2023 to the Federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR) and twenty State Attorney General Offices. This equipment enables the sharing of genetic evidence collected from offenders and crime scenes through a national genetics database. Establishing this database supports the identification of offenders, strengthens investigative capabilities, and increases conviction rates.

This contract represents the third and final phase of the initiative. In this phase, INL will donate specialized IT forensic equipment to eight (8) Mexican state Attorney General Offices to further enhance the collection and analysis of critical evidence, such as genetic material from offenders and crime scenes, and to support the continued development of the national genetics database. Upon completion of this phase, 29 of Mexico’s 32 states will be covered. The expanded database will generate actionable intelligence to disrupt transnational trafficking networks by linking unknown DNA samples to a comprehensive repository of registered profiles.