M6 Flashcards
US DOJ FIGG Policy
Beginnings
Effective November 2019
New Full/Permanent policy expected 2024
Addresses key criteria & general principles
Needs expansion
US DOJ Interim Policy Contents
I. Purpose & Scope
II. Application
III. Background
IV. Limitations
V. Case Criteria
VI. Investigative Collaboration
VII. Investigative Caution
VIII. Sample & Data Control & Disposition
IX. Collection of FIGG Metrics
US DOJ Interim Policy Summary
- Violent Crime
- Requires STR typing and CODIS upload first – NO HITS
- Requires FDS (if allowed)
- Only Databases that provide explicit notice to users that LE use their sites
- No arrests on FIGG results alone
- Requires STR profile confirmation
Maryland FIG Law
- Effective October 1, 2021
- Balance public safety, privacy, & criminal justice
- Adheres to DOJ policy
- Requires Judges sign-off/search warrant to use FIGG
*Serious crimes ONLY - Only use databases w/strict policies around user content
- Establishes procedures for obtaining additional DNA
- Provides defense access to FIGG
- Requires reporting & review of how, and how often FIGG is pursued
- 2024 – licensed/certified
NTVIC Model for FIGG bills
- Defines terminology
- Establishes requirements for LE ro carry out FIGG
- Provides guidance on genetic info & restrictions
- Provides guidance on Privacy/Protection of info
- Provides guidance on Retention of info
- Provides guidance on Release on info
- Destruction of information
NTVIC FIGG Working Group
Established 2022
Subcommittees
1) Public Entity FIGG Policy & Procedure
2) Public Lab FIGG Technical Validation
3) FIGG education & Training for Public entities
4) FIGG contracts between Public & Private Entities
FIGG Best Practices & Standards
Case Management
- Case Criteria
- Adhere to legal policies
- Adhere to Database TOU
- Documentation
- Data Security (on/offline)
- Evidence/Data Owership
- Forensic Lap + LEA + FIGG
FIGG Best Practices & Standards
Genetic Evidence
- DNA Quality & Quantity
- Vendor Lab Quality Systems
- Staff Elimination DNA databases
- DNA Data Access/Security
- Reference/Target Testers
- Consent Agreements
- Evidence/Data Disposal
FIGG Best Practices & Standards
Records & Tree Building
- Approved platforms for tree building
- Meet Genealogy Proof Standard
- Confidentiality
- Collection of records
- Verification of records
- Storage of records
- Disposal of Records & Trees
FIGG Best Practices & Standards
Outsourcing
- Contractor assessment criteria
- Vetting for authorization
- credentials/continuing ed
- Proficiency testing
- Agreements/Contracts/NDAs
- Chain of Custody
- Courtroom Testimony
FIGG Best Practices & Standards
FIGG Reporting
- Full Report of ALL Analyses
- Administrative & Technical Review
- Full reports remain internal to agency
- Released Affidavits DO NOT include identities of living people
- Transfer ALL documentation to agency
Prof Glynn’s FIGG Recommendations
1) A Designated FIGG (Lab) Official (DFO)
2) Contractual Agreements w/FIGG practitioners should include NDAs
3) FIGG practitioners should be VETTED
4) Contracted FIGG practitioners should submit FULL DOCUMENTATION & REPORTS performed to DFO
5) Vendor Sequencing Labs provide DOCUMENTATION about their Quality Management Systems
6) Vendor Sequencing Labs maintain staff elimination database for contamination checks
7) Secure platforms & servers approved for data storage
8) Genealogy Standards for documentary evidence
FIGG Call to Action
- Forensic DNA labs need to be involved & have control
- FIGG providers/vendors labs should operate w/in forensic & criminal justice standards & practices
- Oversight & governance
- FiGG tool to be done ethically, responsibly w/good scientific practice, and w/in the boundaries of the law
GEDPro Upload Ability
YES
* LE _ ~$499
* Forensic Lab
* Must use professional email & contact info to be approved
NO
* Genealogist
Case Evaluation & Documentation Prep
- Case documents should be stored in a secure, private, cloud platform & it is recommended it is locked w/password protection
- Internal FIGG teams to LE agencies should used approved data storage systems
- Private FIGG companies/practitioners have a wide range of data storage/sharing systems