Familial Searching

1994 DNA Identification Act

• Authorized National DNA Index System

• Maintained by FBI for law enforcement use

1998 FBI launches NDIS

• Created with a software program for users to access

• Combined DNA Index System or CODIS

Familial Searching

Deliberate search of DNA databases to

potentially identify close biological relatives to

unknown forensic profiles

– First order relatives: siblings, parent/child

– Will have more genetic data in common than

unrelated individuals

High risk – low probability of success

– Rate of success nationwide ~10-15%

– Uses existing data and databases specifically for law

enforcement use

Limitations of familial searches

• Can lead to ‘matches’ who are unrelated to the

unknown forensic profile

– Requires additional lineage testing to narrow down the list

– Male profile – YSTR testing

• Time consuming

– ~5-6 can be run a year for some jurisdictions

• Privacy/ethical concerns

– Infringes on citizens’ privacy interests

– Family members should not be subject to a

diminished level of privacy

• Not all states allow its use

pros of familial searches

• Powerful tool for criminal investigations

– Helps law enforcement identify and convict suspects

– Develop investigative leads

– Resolve cold cases

• Used to exonerate wrongfully convicted people

• Improve public safety

forensic genetic genealogy

Technique that combines genetic testing with

traditional genealogical research

– Generate investigative leads

• Cold cases

• Violent crimes

• Unidentified human remains