Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy Staff Publications
Publication Date
1-1-2024
Journal
Forensic Science International: Synergy
DOI
10.1016/j.fsisyn.2024.100460
PMID
38380276
PMCID
PMC10876674
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
2-8-2024
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Published Open-Access
yes
Keywords
Forensic DNA, Forensic genealogy, Genetic genealogy, Investigative genetic genealogy (IGG), Forensic genetic genealogy (FGG), Forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG), Investigative forensic genetic genealogy (iFGG)
Abstract
Although law enforcement use of commercial genetic genealogy databases has gained prominence since the arrest of the Golden State Killer in 2018, and it has been used in hundreds of cases in the United States and more recently in Europe and Australia, it does not have a standard nomenclature and scope. We analyzed the more common terms currently being used and propose a common nomenclature: investigative forensic genetic genealogy (iFGG). We define iFGG as the use by law enforcement of genetic genealogy combined with traditional genealogy to generate suspect investigational leads from forensic samples in criminal investigations. We describe iFGG as a proper subset of forensic genetic genealogy, that is, FGG as applied by law enforcement to criminal investigations; hence, investigative FGG or iFGG. We delineate its steps, compare and contrast it with other investigative techniques involving genetic evidence, and contextualize its use within criminal investigations. This characterization is a critical input to future studies regarding the legal status of iFGG and its implications on the right to genetic privacy.