"Since its inception in early 2018, Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG) has become one of the fastest-growing new investigatory tools to be implemented in criminal investigations. In just fours years, several hundred cold cases (homicide and sexual assault) and Unidentified Humans Remains (UHR) cases have benefited from the use of FGG. As with all new forensic methods, tools, and techniques, it is critical that robust policies and procedures, best practices, and standards for their use are developed and implemented. With FGG, its use has rapidly become widespread across the United States, yet there exists only minimal guidance and policy surrounding it’s use. As per the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Interim Guidelines on FGG, which came into effect in November 2019, the use of FGG is restricted to certain criteria, for example, the type of crimes FGG can be applied to, and the type of genetic genealogy databases that can be searched.

There still exist, however, common misconceptions among the forensic science/law enforcement communities, and also the general public, about the DNA technology used, the access to certain databases and genetic data, and the overall process of utilizing FGG in a forensic investigation. Critics of the use of FGG have raised concerns over genetic privacy, individual privacy, and informed consent, to name a few. Members of the forensic science/law enforcement community that have been hesitant to embrace this new tool have cited the lack of guidance, understanding of legal implications, and defined set of procedures for using it as a concern.

This presentation aims to dispel some common misconceptions and will provide an overview of FGG by comparing it to Forensic STR Typing, in terms of their technologies, data generation, databases searched, and existing standards and best practices. The typical FGG workflow and how it is intertwined with Forensic STR Typing will be covered. Recommendations for best practices and standards will be presented, with a focus on balancing the bests interests of the public, in terms of protecting both their safety and their individual privacy."