WHEREAS, DNA technology has revolutionized forensic identification through its ability to assist in identifying the guilty and exonerating the innocent, and

WHEREAS, enhancements and refinements in DNA analysis and technologies have occurred over the years, and

WHEREAS, these enhancements include the utilization of Y-STRs and Mitochondrial DNA in addition to nuclear DNA to identify familial relationships to assist in identifying perpetrators of crime, and

WHEREAS, familial analysis results could identify a large number of candidates that would need further investigation, and

WHEREAS, recognizing the increased investigative workload, but also the possible identification of criminals using familial searches; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) encourage the development of policies that would permit the use of familial DNA searches in cases and under policies that respect individual privacy.

Submitted by: Forensic Committee
FOR.003.A11