Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) for Law Enforcement

Learn what Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) is, how it works and how Law Enforcement can use it as an investigative tool to solve cold cases.

Learn the steps involved when using FIGG to identify a person of interest or unidentified human remains.  Participants will also learn how to use GedMatch Pro and Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) databases as investigative tools.

Class Topics:

• DNA and why it is so valuable inforensic investigations
• Identify Types of DNA Evidence and DNA Collection methods that can be used for FIGG
• The DNA Lab process and how to pick the right Private Lab for FIGG
• Genotyping vs. Phenotyping
• Candidate cases for FIGG: unidentified human remains, criminal investigations
• Steps involved when using FIGG to identify a person of interest or unidentified human remains
• Misconceptions, ramifications, and limitations of FIGG
• Major cold cases that have been solved using FIGG
• Using GedMatch Pro and Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) databases
• FIGG Current Terminology: STR analysis, sequencing, SNPs, CODIS, centimorgans (cM)
• Use GedMatch tools to determine ethnicity breakdowns
• Use FIGG Toolssuch as DNA Painter and the Leeds Method
• Build and connect family trees to make an identification
• Identify, verify,and document family relationships in FIGG
• Genealogy Research Tips & Tricks (learn how to research familial matches, use birth and death records, and other family trees and census records
• Use Facebook, social media, and Property Tax records to make a family connection