Lead with speed: Recasting the forensic laboratory product line and service delivery model.

Forensic laboratories face a multitude of challenges when striving to deliver services to the criminal justice system. While many of these issues change over time, one in particular seems to endure the test of time … the need for faster results. Law enforcement wants and needs quicker response times to access critical information required to investigate their cases. One answer to this persistent problem is evolving technology. Technology not only permits a much quicker response than forensic laboratories are currently delivering, it can open the door to solving previously unsolvable cases. Along with applying new technology, an evaluation of current forensic laboratory product lines, service delivery models, and mindset regarding the role of forensic science-based investigative leads (termed forensic leads) is warranted. Resources and strategic planning are needed to realize the full potential of evolving technologies and what forensic laboratories can do to provide actionable and timely forensic leads to our criminal justice partners as a normal course of action instead of as an exception. This proposal is to establish a permanent, designated Forensic Lead Program (FLP) that resides under the umbrella of an accredited forensic laboratory and is tasked with the development and release of forensic leads. The FLP involves a focused menu of services, defined personnel roles, strict protocols, short turnaround time, standardized expectations, and targeted training, combined with the sense of urgency needed for consistent delivery of timely and actionable forensic leads. A dedicated FLP will save time and money by providing critical information for more focused investigations. 'Speed is the need' … for quick identification of those that threaten public safety and for the equally quick elimination of those wrongfully accused. Programs at two large state forensic laboratories will demonstrate how these concepts could be implemented along with their learning experiences. A business case will also be included to demonstrate the cost benefit of the Forensic Lead Program for DNA (CODIS - Combined DNA Index System) and NIBIN (National Integrated Ballistic Information Network), however other section services are expected to see similar benefits. Improving the response time by one day saves $1677.75 per $1 spent [1]. The return on investment (ROI) for applying DNA to firearms evidence returns $47.88 per $1 spent, or an 4,788 % ROI. Applying NIBIN (National Integrated Ballistic Information Network) to firearms evidence to provide investigative leads is $502.19 per $1 spent, which is a 50,219 % ROI. Recasting the forensic laboratory product line and service delivery model to 'Lead with Speed' makes both economic and investigative sense.

Law enforcement use of genetic genealogy databases in criminal investigations: Nomenclature, definition and scope.

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.

Proactive crime scene response optimizes crime investigation.

The Proactive Crime Scene Response is a technique utilizing targeted forensic analytical results to guide criminal investigations in real time. Analytical value of evidence maximized by forensic laboratories is directly related to the recognition, documentation, collection, and preservation of evidentiary items located at the crime scene. Improved education, coordination and communication between the crime scene investigators and forensic scientist experts creates a seamless analytical process flow, enabling greater focus on high value evidence with decreased response time and greater impact on investigational direction. Real time data from focused forensic analyses and use of databases provides primary investigative leads, with suspect identities, whereabouts at the time of crime commission, links to other crimes and other critical collaborative crime solving information. Case examples highlighting successful application of various aspects of this model will be provided, with recommendations for implementation including Rapid DNA and supporting business cases.

National Technology Validation and Implementation Collaborative (NTVIC) policies and procedures for Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG).

In 2022, the National Technology Validation and Implementation Collaborative (NTVIC) was established. Its mission is to collaborate across the US on validation, method development, and implementation. The NTVIC is comprised of 13 federal, state and local government crime laboratory leaders, joined by university researchers, and private technology and research companies. One of the NTVIC's first initiatives was to generate this draft policy document. This document provides guidelines and considerations for crime laboratories and investigative agencies exploring the establishment of a forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG) program. While each jurisdiction is responsible for its own program policy, sharing minimum standards and best practices to optimize resources, promote technology implementation and elevate quality is a goal of the NTVIC.

Expanding DNA database effectiveness.

DNA databases effectively develop investigative leads, with database size being directly proportional to increased chances of solving crimes as demonstrated by a business case including a universal STR database example. DNA database size can be expanded physically by increasing the number and type of qualifying offenses, adding arrestees, or moving towards a universal database. The theoretical size of a DNA database can also be increased scientifically by using the inherent nature of DNA sharing by biologically related individuals by using an indirect matching strategy including Partial Matching, Familial Searching, and Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG). A new strategy is introduced using areas of shared DNA as a search key to locate potential relatives for further kinship evaluation. New search key strategies include Y-STR, mtDNA, and X Chromosome searching to locate potential relatives, coupled with kinship and genetic genealogical research, as well as expanded use of unidentified human remains (UHRs).

The value of forensic DNA leads in preventing crime and eliminating the innocent.

The value of an investigative lead corresponds directly to the increase of the speed at which that lead is provided. A cost-benefit model using sexual assault cases demonstrates the preventative savings of quicker forensic DNA analytical response times by calculating the cost of additional crime committed while cases sit awaiting analysis to commence. Calculations are provided per analyst day and with estimated U.S. nationwide impacts. With the elimination of the awaiting analysis backlog, crimes could be prevented, as well as justice better served to those wrongfully suspected. A case study demonstrates the value of timely forensic DNA analysis for sexual assault cases. A wrongfully accused individual identified by eyewitness testimony was eliminated by forensic analysis, while a very similar appearing recidivist perpetrator was included in a subsequent DNA comparison.

Demonstrating cost-benefit for forensic laboratory resources: Project Resolution.

The mission of forensic laboratories is to maximize the value of evidence. As price and quality are relatively fixed for consumers of forensic analysis, the main measure of service effectiveness is timeliness. Resources have been demonstrated as the means to improve timeliness. However, as the availability of governmental resources is also relatively fixed, to optimize resource distribution, there must be an evaluation as to the most effective allocation. Cost-benefit analysis or determination of the return on investment has been demonstrated as an objective means to compare various competing options as targets for resource deployment. Therefore, a cost-benefit analysis of forensic science will be conducted to evaluate the option of applying additional resources to maximize the value of forensic analysis through optimal timeliness of service. A case study will be provided using historical data to examine the net benefit from forensic investigative leads.

Reimagining forensic science - The mission of the forensic laboratory.

The year 2020 brought the COVID-19 pandemic, and increased focus on American racial injustice and victims' rights, spurring a reimagining of law enforcement and justice services. As forensic laboratories serve investigation and justice with objective data to drive investigations, prosecutions, and exonerations, it is worthwhile to also reimagine forensic science service. With comparators of cost and quality relatively fixed to the consumers of forensic service, service in the form of timeliness of turn-around-time is the main competitive measure of effectiveness. A total backlog can be defined as all cases submitted to the forensic laboratory where a report has not yet been issued. Within a total backlog are the in-analysis backlog and the awaiting start of analysis backlog. By eliminating the awaiting analysis backlog, analysis could begin immediately upon submission. This would provide analysis in as short a time as technology permitted, optimizing the value of forensic laboratory service.

Four misconceptions about investigative genetic genealogy.

Investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) is a new technique for identifying criminal suspects that has sparked controversy. The technique involves uploading a crime scene DNA profile to one or more genetic genealogy databases with the intention of identifying a criminal offender's genetic relatives and, eventually, locating the offender within the family tree. IGG was used to identify the Golden State Killer in 2018 and it is now being used in connection with hundreds of cases in the USA. Yet, as more law enforcement agencies conduct IGG, the privacy implications of the technique have come under scrutiny. While these issues deserve careful attention, we are concerned that their discussion is, at times, based on misunderstandings related to how IGG is used in criminal investigations and how IGG departs from traditional investigative techniques. Here, we aim to clarify and sharpen the public debate by addressing four misconceptions about IGG. We begin with a detailed description of IGG as it is currently practiced: what it is and-just as important-what it is not. We then examine misunderstood or not widely known aspects of IGG that are potentially confusing efforts to have constructive discussions about its future. We conclude with recommendations intended to support the productivity of those discussions.

A crosswalk from medical bioethics to Forensic Bioethics.

There is much common ground between the fields of medicine and forensic science, however the comprehensive framework of bioethics does not have a conceptual counterpart in forensics. Specific ethical concepts and approaches common to medical bioethics will be outlined, then contrasted against the existing status of the application of ethics in forensic science. Through this examination and comparison, a number of directly applicable ethical concepts and a potential framework has emerged. This common ground and experience will permit forensic science bioethics to move forward more rapidly through utilization of the foundation of medical bioethics, with special attention to concepts and applications unique to forensic science. The result will be the development of an ethical framework that is specific to forensic science and its unique issues.

Forensic genealogy, bioethics and the Golden State Killer case.

A case study will be used to examine specific issues of bioethics and forensic science that occur in forensic investigative genealogical searching, which include genetic privacy, discrimination and public safety concerns. The forensic investigative process and various investigative DNA tools will also be described. The Golden State Killer Case (1) will be examined to highlight and discuss forensic ethical issues to develop an ethical framework, as well as provide recommended solutions to pressing public safety and privacy issues facing crime laboratories and criminal investigators. Use of the ethical concept of proportionality (2) will be utilized to contrast and balance competing ethical concerns.

Trace DNA: a review, discussion of theory, and application of the transfer of trace quantities of DNA through skin contact.

Advances in STR PCR DNA profiling technology allow for the analysis of minute quantities of DNA. It is frequently possible to obtain successful DNA results from cellular material transferred from the skin of an individual who has simply touched an object. Handling objects, such as weapons or other items associated with a crime, touching surfaces, or wearing clothing, may represent sufficient contact to transfer small numbers of DNA bearing cells, or trace DNA, which can be successfully analyzed. With this minimal amount of contact required to yield a suspect profile comes tremendous crime solving potential, and a number of considerations for prudent application, and the maximization of evidentiary value. Evidentiary materials not previously considered must be recognized and preserved, and the resulting DNA type profiles interpreted in their proper forensic context.