Uncovering Unknown Practices: A National Survey on Familial DNA Searching

• In Event: Police Intelligence and Forensics

Abstract

Familial DNA searching is a forensic technique to locate potential suspects through the identification of their family members’ DNA found in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). It is unknown how extensive this practice is or what policies and practices are in place to guide its use at the state and local levels, perhaps due to its controversial nature. With support from the National Institute of Justice, ICF International is conducting a mixed-methods study of familial DNA searching policies and practices. One component of this study is a national survey of CODIS administrators from the state and local levels. This presentation will discuss the findings from this survey, including the extent of familial DNA searching among labs, attitudes towards familial DNA searching, eligibility restrictions and guidelines, policies and legislation guiding its use, and how various criminal justice agencies (e.g., laboratories, law enforcement, courts) interact to facilitate or inhibit familial DNA searching in criminal justice cases. Implications for research and policy will be discussed.

Authors

• Sara Debus-Sherrill, ICF International

• Alexandra Barton, ICF International