Dna Profiles

Ariana Persaud

Forensic Science 114

November 19th, 2017

Extra Credit Assignment #1

     According to the article, “Social and Ethical issues in the use of Familial Searching in Forensic Investigation," Familial DNA searching is a critical issue facing jurisdictions across the country, and it is not without controversy (Haimes, 2006). The three assigned videos have provided an overview of the science of familial DNA searching and its use in criminal investigations. The videos explain how DNA is a crucial component of a crime scene investigation used to identify perpetrators from crime scenes. Also, how DNA is used to determine a suspect’s guilt or innocence.

     The first video provides information on the changing face of DNA in some states in America. In the video, the speaker Ronald Freeman explains how “Familial DNA” search is a potent weapon for police investigations by providing examples on how DNA searches were used to identify the so-called “Grim Sleeper” serial killer and the “BTK” killer. The second video, NFSTC Familial DNA searching is based on an interview with Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey about "Familial DNA Searching." Mister, Morrissey explains how there is a growing number of DNA profiles stored in the DNA databases worldwide. He explained how criminals whose DNA profile has never been entered into a DNA database can still be identified. The last video is based on how DNA evidence can be falsified by explained the possibilities of DNA planted at crime scenes.

     I think Familial DNA may be flawed as there are doubts about the accuracy and efficacy. I think it possible familial DNA searching can indicate that two people are close relatives when they are in fact distant relatives. I think it is possible for cousins to be misidentified as siblings which could cost investigators a lot of time and money. Also, as well as intruding on innocent people’s lives and privacy. I think investigators may spend a lot of time interrogating immediate family members who have nothing to do with the crime committed or distant relatives so distant that their relationship with the suspects will not be helpful to the investigation.

        I also believe the consequences can exacerbate the numerous ethical problems presented by familial searching as the greater the number of persons involved, and the less likely that one of them is, in fact, the perpetrator, the more such investigations may begin to feel like a fishing expedition rather than a reasonable search. Also, the accuracy of the matching depends on the number and types of samples that already exist in the database, the accuracy of the matching will vary with ethnicity.