Should the police use genetic genealogy databases to assist in solving crime? Survey among university students

Genetic genealogy databases have been utilised as a novel tool by law enforcement to generate leads in difficult criminal investigations. This technique involves searching ancestry databases that contain voluntarily uploaded DNA to identify genetic relatives of unknown suspects. The arrest of the notorious Golden State Killer using this method in 2018 brought the use of these techniques into the public eye. However, public perspectives on whether law enforcement should be granted access to this information is understudied. This study explored the attitudes towards police access to genetic genealogy amongst 373 university students through an online survey. Overall, students expressed moderate conditional support, with higher support levels for investigation of violent crimes (76%) and crimes against children (78%) compared to reluctant support for non-violent crimes (60%). Women displayed greater support than men for police access (p < 0.05) in cases of violent crime (86% vs. 75%), crimes against children (87% vs. 72%), missing persons (84% vs 76%), and identifying human remains (88% vs 78%). Younger students aged 18-24 exhibited higher support for police access for violent crimes and missing persons cases than older students aged 35-50 (p < 0.05) (85% vs. 76%, and 86% vs. 72%, respectively). Qualitative findings emphasised participants’ desire for oversight and protecting individual rights through warrant requirements to prevent overreach, whilst allowing societal benefits. This study provides initial evidence that educated young people recognise the potential forensic value of police access to genetic genealogy but favour strict regulations that reflect crime severity. This data can inform policy debates and legislative frameworks, balancing the utility and ethics of emerging genetic technologies. Further research across diverse populations is required to guide well informed legislations.