Investigator survey on Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy: Current use, limitations, and sustainability

With over 1000 cases now resolved with the help of Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG), this new tool has been shown to produce investigative leads where traditional DNA testing has not. Because of FIGG's success, state public forensic laboratories have begun to examine considerations for implementing it in-house, including: integrating FIGG into current quality assurance systems, the instrumentation and training needed for SNP profile generation, genealogist training and qualifications, data privacy concerns, and data storage hurdles. This paper discusses a 2023 statewide survey conducted in partnership by Illinois State Police and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Investigative Technology Exchange. The survey assessed the current use, demand, and potential pathways for FIGG implementation among Illinois law enforcement agencies (LEAs) and medical examiner/coroner (MEC) offices. The goal of the survey was to explore in-state FIGG trends and needs that could be used to assist in statewide implementation initiatives. In total, 132 agencies (28 MECs and 104 LEAs) across 54 Illinois counties were used in the analyses. Of these, 16.5% reported prior FIGG use, with no significant differences by agency type or population density. Regarding implementation models, survey findings suggest that Illinois agencies strongly favor a centralized, state-supported system for FIGG use in investigations, with FIGG conducted at a state-run laboratory. Further, respondents' emphasis on security, standardization, and cost efficiency reinforces the need for a sustainable, state-coordinated FIGG implementation framework. Other findings included the estimated success rate of FIGG in Illinois (76-86%), costs (median of $7500), and the rate of FIGG familiarity (19%).