What does the Familial Searching Policy involve?

The Familial Searching Policy involves using DNA evidence to identify potential relatives of a suspect in a criminal investigation. This practice occurs when a DNA profile derived from a crime scene sample does not match any known profiles in a database, but may closely relate to the profile of a familial connection, leading investigators to potential new suspects based on familial ties.

By examining genetic similarities, law enforcement can visit the families of individuals whose DNA profiles are similar to the crime scene evidence. This approach assists in establishing leads while ensuring that the constitutional rights of individuals are respected during the investigative process.

It is distinct from analyzing fingerprints, conducting background checks, or gathering information from social media, as those methods do not inherently rely on familial relationships or DNA evidence to generate investigative leads. The focus of Familial Searching is specifically on understanding and uncovering family links through genetic data.