DNA profiling is a forensic tool that is commonly used in criminal investigations. The process is gaining clout for its ability to help identify suspects without having to interview people who are not even familiar with the scene of the crime. The investigators collect the crime scene DNA and try to match it with an existing record in the investigation database. DNA profiling was first introduced in the 1980s, but the familial type of data came into use in early 2000. Following the incredible promise of this method, majority states are considering using it in their searches. Investigators believe that as long as there is enough database, there is no time limit for the search.
Analysis
The article Familial DNA puts elusive killers behind bars reflects on one practical use of the profiling process. It is about a murder case of a well-known saleswoman who resided in Arizona. The woman was sexually assaulted and beaten to death. Rainey reports that the police had run out of options after conducting extensive investigations for two years. When the investigators decided to expand their search metrics, they ventured into the use of familial DNA. The officers found a strong lead one year later. The DNA links matched with details of a prisoner in Arizona who was a brother to the murderer. Following this case, most people believe that this technology can be used to resolve many unsolved cases of murder, sexual assaults, and other crimes that lack enough evidence (Rainey, 2018). Other states have also developed a crime-solving record using the DNA process.
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The main difference between today's profiling and traditional DNA processes is that it is now possible to make direct DNA matches. The conventional method involved the use of genetic "fingerprints" collected at the crime scene. The data was confined to only those people who had been previously arrested for other crimes. The primary challenge is that the matching process was not always productive because if the owner of the DNA was no previously convicted, there was no more evidence. The familial matching process aims at finding out some genetic markers that can be used to make suggestions. In most cases, the leads are associated with someone's parents, sibling, or children. Researchers are more willing to use the results to identify other distant relatives who might also be involved in other crimes (Rainey, 2018). In the Arizona case, the database matched with the DNA profile of a brother to the murder. Investigators said that they could not trace an existing relationship between two individuals before the DNA match was conducted.
The study brings about the debate about the advantages and disadvantages of using this method in criminological investigations. The familial process is an intelligence tool (Rainey, 2018). It can be used to solve some of the most complex cases in the world. The main benefit is that there are no limits or guidelines for what it can be used for and when to use it. The process is also more accurate as compared to other methods used by the investigators. However, the profiling process is time-consuming because investigators also interrogate family members who have nothing to do with the crime. Some opponents also say that the technique is associated with numerous ethical problems.
Conclusion
From the above, it is clear that DNA profiling is already one of the most effective search methods. I believe that familial DNA can be used to solve crimes faster. As compared to other techniques, it involves fewer potential suspects whose data is less misleading. DNA profiling should be considered as a new source of data that the investigators not can use to supplement other information. DNA evidence can do a lot of good.
Reference
Rainey, J. (2018). Familial DNA Puts Elusive Killers Behind Bars. But Only 12 States Use It . U.S news.
