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DNA databases. Uses of DNA as a forensic tool. Limitations. Outline of resources and activities in this lesson. The first case tells the story of a serial killer known as the “Grim Sleeper”, who was arrested and convicted based, in part, on a technique kn
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DNA databases
DNA is collected and used in the US legal system in what are known as forensic databases, typically overseen by local, state and federal authorities. The information collected captures segments of a person’s DNA that are both highly unique and not tied to known physical traits. These DNA profiles can be used to match the DNA from a crime scene to people who may be guilty of committing the crime. Apart from using DNA databases to identify suspects, they can also be used to identify victims and missing persons, or to provide evidence to support exonerations. Criminal DNA databases are growing in terms of the number of people whose DNA is collected. The way in which they are used is also changing. How DNA databases are created and used will be discussed, as well as how and why their composition and regulation have changed over time.
Uses of DNA as a forensic tool
Four case studies are used to illustrate the ways in which DNA databases can be used to: (i) identify suspects; (ii) identify victims and missing persons; (iii) provide evidence to support exonerations. Within each case is a chance to explore the challenge of establishing ethical and legal frameworks in a timely manner to guide the use of newly developed technologies.
The first case tells the story of a serial killer known as the “Grim Sleeper”, who was arrested and convicted based, in part, on a technique known as familial searching. Familial searching uses DNA databases and specialized computer software to identify people whose DNA is similar, but not an exact match, to DNA found at a crime scene. As we share part of our DNA with our biological relatives, the assumption is that the similarity in DNA occurs because the identified person is a family member of the actual suspect. This practice is controversial because of privacy concerns, which are discussed in detail in slide 13. Beyond the use of government-run, DNA databases (which were developed in the early 1990s) a new approach to crime solving emerged in 2018: Police seeking suspects or their biological relatives in a non-profit, open access database for genealogy hobbyists. The latter method was applied to identify the “Golden State Killer”, who killed 10 women in California and terrorized communities for many years. The third case study is an example of the use of DNA as a tool to identify victims and missing persons. Grandmothers known as the “Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo”, protested the kidnapping and murder of their children by the dictatorship during Argentina’s “Dirty War” (1976-1983). They sought out geneticists, and together, developed DNA tools to locate and reunite with those children and grandchildren. The final case tells the story of Darryl Hunt, who was exonerated after serving 19 years in jail for a crime he did not commit, thanks to his and his allies’ tireless advocacy combined with the use of familial searching.
Limitations
The limitations of the use of DNA in forensic investigations are discussed in the final part of the lesson plan. Rapid growth of DNA databases alongside evolving of genetic technologies bring new challenges to the forefront. A key question that is woven through this lesson is how we as a society can use genetics to keep people safe, solve crimes and, at the same time, develop policies that ensure fairness and provide appropriate safeguards and privacy protections. A useful message to share with students is that many experts do not agree on how DNA should be used to prevent and solve crime. The questions tackled in this lesson are currently being discussed at local, state and federal levels, and are the subject of legal debates, pending legislation, and court cases.
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Note: We have included a number of news articles and videos throughout this lesson plan. However, as technology evolves at a rapid pace, we recommend visiting http: //pged. org/genetics-and-crime/ for regular updates related to this lesson.
Outline of resources and activities in this lesson
1. Part 1 – Student reading and “Do Now” exercise (page 6)
2. Part 2 – Slideshow (slide notes on pages 7-14)
3. Part 3 – Classroom activity (page 15, discussion scenarios on pages 17-20)
4. Part 4 – Assessments & handouts (page 16)
5. Short quiz (answer key on page 16, handout on page 22)
6. List of additional resources (page 23)
Activities
Do Now exercise (5-7 minutes), slideshow (20-25 minutes), scenarios (20 minutes).
DNA, Crime, and Law Enforcement
Part 1: OVERVIEW FOR STUDENTS
Reading for students:
These two articles, together, present a variety of views on the issues related to the use of DNA as a forensic tool to solve crime, with an emphasis on familial searching. The articles highlight the discussions and disagreements within the law and civil rights communities over how to most effectively and fairly use DNA in law enforcement. These articles are used in a homework assignment to follow the lesson, but you instead may choose to have students read it in advance of the lesson.
“Is Your DNA in a Police Database? ” by Jill Lawless, November 2015, NBC News.
“The Controversial DNA Search That Helped Nab the “Grim Sleeper” is Winning Over Skeptics” by Marisa Gerber, October 2016, LA Times.
Do Now exercise (5-7 minutes):
Have students read the following scenario and answer the accompanying question, individually or in pairs, and then share their answers in a brief classroom discussion. This scenario is on slide 2 in the slideshow, with further information about this case on slide 3.
You are a business owner. In the past two weeks, your manager has found a pile of human feces in the warehouse on more than one occasion. The manager thinks some unhappy workers may be the ‘devious defecators’ and proposes using a DNA test to find the culprit.
As the business owner, do you go forward with DNA testing your employees to identify the “devious defecators”?
DNA, Crime, and Law Enforcement
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