A new way to use DNA

I was looking at some fairly interesting articles about new tools in forensics, when I came upon an article called More U.S. States Use Familial DNA as Forensic Tool. Naturally, I was intrigued so I began reading. The article explained about how, when all leads run dry in any criminal investigation, and there are no matches to a DNA test then, some states run a Familial DNA search. This is when the investigators search for relatives which would have a near perfect match to the DNA sample, but not quite a perfect match. This forms a new lead to follow, and sometimes the trail leads directly to the resolution of the case. The main question that is being asked throughout the article is whether or not states should use this search, or continue with the outlines of a traditional investigation?

Many individuals however, are against such a search exclaiming that it is both an invasion of privacy, and that it could lead to falsely accusing innocent people. The counterargument to this exclamation is through the use of examples such as achering license plate partials of cars, or car colors to help identify a suspect. If these partials aren't an invasion of privacy, or can lead to falsely accusing an individual; than why is using Familial DNA?

 Both are valid arguments, but I agree that DNA partials should be something that are explored, when all other leads run dry. I believe that, as explained in the article, this type of search can help lead to the solving of many cases, and that this search should be utilized in dead- end cases in all states.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/31/us-crime-dna-familial-idUSTRE72T2QS20110331