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. Greg LaBerge will present 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 will discuss the relevance of this system to resolving forensic casework and application to developing or implementing a familial DNA search system.