Date
7-22-2025
Department
Helms School of Government
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice (PhD)
Chair
Jarrod Sadulski
Keywords
Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG), Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG), Short Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP), Short Tandem Repeat (STR), Family Tree DNA (FTDNA), GEDmatch, Ancestry, Ramapo College, University of New Haven, Investigative Genetic Genealogy Accreditation Board (IGGAB), DNA
Disciplines
Genetics and Genomics
Recommended Citation
Hoggatt, Matthew Serio, "Exploring How People Become Investigative Genetic Genealogists Who Assist With Law Enforcement Investigations: A Multiple Case Study" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 7244.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/7244
Abstract
In today’s world of criminal justice, the use of Deoxyribonucleic Acid, otherwise known as DNA, to solve crimes, has become a popular tool for law enforcement, and a popular subject plot within the entertainment industry. Also growing in popularity at a fast rate, is the use of DNA combined with consumer-based genealogy websites to help identify unknown suspects or unidentified human remains. This process has become commonly known as investigative genetic genealogy (IGG), or forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG). What remains unclear however, is how people learn the skills necessary to establish a career within the IGG field. The purpose of this study was to provide a necessary resource to the criminal justice system, by illuminating the field of IGG, while placing a spotlight on the elements of education, training, and credentialing. Data for this study, were sampled from a group of IGG practitioners who were recruited from a Facebook group associated with investigative genetic genealogy. Participants consisted of IGG practitioners who currently work for, or volunteer with, organizations which use IGG to investigate cases involving unidentified human remains and/or unknown perpetrator cases in conjunction with law enforcement. Interviews were conducted via Zoom, using a structured interview protocol and open-ended questions. During the interview process, themes, and patterns emerged, which revealed a deeper understanding of the research questions. Data were analyzed by using Dedoose software, which helped the researcher to identify the specific themes regarding the methods in which people learn to become investigative genetic genealogists who assist with law enforcement investigations.
