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Opting In: The Single Box That Solves Crime

  • 4 days ago
  • 3 min read

Have you observed an increase in cold cases being solved recently?

Could this be due to the growing number of DNA tests being conducted?

The answer is no.. Keep reading to understand why!


Let's talk about how your DNA can help solve cold cases and identify the unidentified.


Close-up view of a forensic scientist analyzing DNA samples in a laboratory
Forensic scientist examining DNA evidence in a lab

"I don't want to do a DNA test just so police will have my DNA!"

A common myth is that taking a DNA test with popular companies like Ancestry or 23andMe automatically shares your genetic information with law enforcement.

This is not true. These companies have strict privacy policies and do not provide law enforcement access without a legal process, such as a warrant or subpoena.


Understanding this is crucial.


THE PROCESS: How your DNA can help investigations




DNA Tests & Downloading your Data

Take DNA test → Download your raw DNA data → Upload it to dedicated platforms → Opt-In




Uploading Your DNA

Take DNA test → Download your raw DNA data → Upload it to dedicated platforms → Opt-In


The primary platforms designed for this include:

  • GEDmatch - A platform for comparing DNA test results from various companies and finding genetic relatives.

  • DNASolves - A crowdfunding and voluntary DNA database platform created by Othram. It allows the public to directly contribute funds for advanced forensic genetic genealogy testing to help solve violent crimes and identify unknown victims.

  • DNAJustice - A nonprofit platform that uses investigative genetic genealogy to help identify the missing, name the unidentified, and generate leads in unsolved cases.


Opting-In

Take DNA test → Download your raw DNA data → Upload it to dedicated platforms → Opt-In


  • Users give explicit consent for their DNA to be accessible for investigations.

  • Only data from those who opt in can be used in investigations.

  • Users retain control and can opt out at any time.


FAQ'S


What is Othram?

Othram is a private forensic genomics company that specializes in analyzing degraded or limited DNA samples from crime scenes. Their technology can generate usable DNA profiles from samples that traditional methods cannot process.


What is DNAsolves?

DNAsolves is a crowdfunding platform created by Othram to help finance the analysis of DNA evidence in cold cases. The initiative allows individuals and organizations to contribute funds towards the sequencing and analysis of DNA samples that may lead to solving unsolved crimes.

Here’s how DNAsolves works:


  • Cases are submitted to DNAsolves, often by law enforcement agencies or family members of victims seeking justice.

  • Each case is evaluated based on its potential for resolution through DNA analysis.

  • The public can view these cases and choose to contribute financially towards the costs associated with DNA testing.

  • Once sufficient funds are raised, Othram conducts the DNA analysis and works with law enforcement to pursue leads generated from the results.

What's FIGG?

Figg = Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy: An investigative method combining forensic DNA profiling with genealogy databases to generate leads for solving violent crimes or identifying human remains.


Other Resources

  • Othram - A company specializing in DNA testing and forensic genealogy.

  • GenomeWeb - A news and information platform covering genomics and biotechnology.

  • ISOGG (International Society of Genetic Genealogy) - An organization dedicated to the promotion and education of genetic genealogy.

  • DNAgedcom - A tool for managing and analyzing DNA data from various testing companies.

  • DNAsolves - DNAsolves is a crowdfunding platform created by Othram to help finance the analysis of DNA evidence in cold cases. You can also submit your DNA here.


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