Introduction

Familial DNA Database Search System

Familial DNA Database Search System

Overview

The Familial DNA Database Search System is a newly developed fully web enabled secure database search system to allow for DNA profile comparisons including those that define familial relationships.

This system was developed in collaboration with practitioners from the Denver Police Crime Laboratory, computer programmers from DRC Computers in Silicon Valley, CA and researchers from the University of Colorado, Denver, Department of Mathematics. The system evaluates genotypes derived from the CODIS STR markers with statistical ranking based on a likelihood ratio (LR). The method was compared to the SWGDAM-recommended method of Expected Match Ratios (EMR) and Estimated Kinship Ratios (EKR) through multiple simulated familial searches.

Dr. LaBerge presents an overview and live demonstration of this web based system, describing the advanced encryption technology employed, discuss the functionality of the different searches and statistical analysis which can be conducted. Following the presentation, a panel of practitioners and stakeholders from several crime laboratories discuss the relevance of this system to resolving forensic casework and application to developing or implementing a familial DNA search system.

A certificate of completion is available for all who register and attend this webinar.

Presenter

  • Dr. Greggory LaBerge

Funding for this Forensic Technology Center of Excellence webinar has been provided by the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.

The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this webinar are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Contact us at ForensicCOE@rti.org with any questions and subscribe to our newsletter for notifications.


Related Content

Cost-Benefit Analysis Tool for Labor Expenditure Associated With Sexual Assault Kit Processing Workflows

Overview Updated: February 2025 Original: August 2022 Forensic Science Service Providers (FSSPs) can use different workflows to process sexual assault kit (SAK) evidence, and the workflow is often selected based on available resources. In an era of constrained local and…

Next Generation Sequencing Virtual Roundtable: Perspectives from Early Adopters and Researchers

Date August 2024 Overview In 2023, the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE), in partnership with the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), convened a virtual roundtable of forensic science service providers (FSSPs) and forensic science researchers with experience implementing next…

DNA Recovery After Sequential Processing of Latent Fingerprints on Black Polyethylene Plastic

Publication Journal of Forensic Sciences, February 2024  Authors Abigail S. Bathrick | Bode Technology Sarah Norsworthy | RTI International Dane T. Plaza | Bode Technology Mallory N. McCormick | United States Secret Service Donia Slack | RTI International Robert S. Ramotowski | United States Secret Service …