A law enforcement intelligence framework for use in predictive DNA phenotyping

ABSTRACT

Analysis of information about physical characteristics, biogeographical ancestry or common genetic ancestors from crime scene DNA is a technique aimed at informing an intelligence process, rather than obtaining evidence for a criminal trial. This intelligence supports tactical or operational decision-making. Like other forms of intelligence there is a risk for it to be misconstrued or for its investigative value to be misunderstood. The potential for intelligence derived from DNA to divert investigative resources or result in unnecessary intrusions into individual privacy can be mitigated by applying an appropriate intelligence doctrine. Establishing an appropriate framework could reduce the need for government regulation of these emerging capabilities in the context of law enforcement use.

KEYWORDS:

• Forensic DNA phenotyping
• forensic genetic genealogy
• forensic intelligence
• intelligence doctrine

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the organizing committee of the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society 24th International Symposium, where the original oral presentation was delivered. The authors would also like to thank members of the Forensic Intelligence team at the Australian Federal Police, and Adjunct Professor Mark Harrison of the University of Canberra, for their valuable feedback on the original oral presentation and this paper.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship and Endeavour Scholarships and Fellowships.