Date
2-18-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Human Services
Abstract
The State of Minnesota has seen a significant uptick in the homicide rate in the last ten years, and not all homicides are being solved. Due to a significant staffing shortfall across the state, but especially in the inner-city areas, police agencies are having a hard enough time keeping up with ongoing cases, let alone finding time to work on cold cases. With the advancement in DNA technology, including Forensic Genetic Genealogy, cases need to be re-examined to see if the new technology could spark life into older investigations.
Due to the rise in skepticism of policing today and the perceived privacy violation from government entities, it is imperative for law enforcement to responsibly utilize new technologies like Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy and ensure that they are ethically using modern technology. While the courts work to figure out how they will interpret this new technique, law enforcement needs to be cautious about how they implement it and avoid situations where its implementation may jeopardize its use in the future. State investigative agencies should develop criteria for case submissions and work to educate and collaborate with their law enforcement partners statewide to recommend protocols based on acceptable legal and ethical standards.