2017/03/30
Newsday March 27, 2017: State panel of DNA experts approve of ‘familial searching’ in NY
During the investigation of the murder of Karina Vetrano, of Howard Beach, some argued for the use of the "familial searching" technique to test DNA. (Credit: Instagram)
A state panel of DNA experts approved on Monday a draft policy allowing familial searching, a new and controversial form of genetic testing, as a way of helping police solve homicide, certain sex crimes and terrorism cases.
By a unanimous vote of 6-0, the DNA subcommittee of the state Commission on Forensic Science approved a short policy statement calling for familial searching, also known as “FS,” as well as a set of regulations to govern the procedure in New York.
The commission is expected to address the proposal at its next meeting on April 12, said a spokeswoman for the state Division of Criminal Justice Services.
The subcommittee also recommended that the commission approve the policy, which garnered interest as a result of the killing of Howard Beach jogger Karina Vetrano last August. Police got DNA from Vetrano’s body but couldn’t get any matches with genetic profiles in the state DNA database.
The draft policy approved by the subcommittee said that before familial searching is done, the local police and prosecutors have to certify that reasonable investigative efforts had been exhausted or that emergency circumstances exist. It would also be used in investigations dealing with first-degree kidnapping and arson, as well as a crime using a chemical or biological weapon. more
Familial Searching Approved by DNA Forensics Committee in NY