Included below is a partial list of resources related to regulations, standards and education within the field of IGG. If there are resources missing which should be included, please email us at info@iggab.org.

Current Guidelines and Standards

Several guidelines and position papers covering the use of IGG have been published by various entities which provide some excellent guidance and recommendations within specific jurisdictions. They are a great foundation to work from, and IGGAB plans to incorporate those which are specific to the work of IGGs as well as additional standards and best practices into the AIGG accreditation standards.

DOJ Guidelines
The Department of Justice published an interim policy on Forensic Genetic Genealogical DNA Analysis and Searching in November 2019, which applies to specific IGG/FGG investigations and includes many guidelines on the use of this investigative tool. 

SWGDAM Overview of Investigative Genetic Genealogy
The Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) published a document in February 2020, which describes the IGG technique and identifies issues and considerations for the use of IGG in law enforcement investigations.

Sacramento DA MOU
The Sacramento County District Attorney's Office issued a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Investigative Genetic Genealogy Searching which covers the use of IGG within their jurisdiction. 

ASCLD position paper
The American Society of Crime Lab Directors issued a position paper in October 2019 which supports the responsible use of Investigative Genetic Genealogy to produce investigative leads.  

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Current Legislation

Several US states have passed legislation regulating some aspects of the use of Investigative Genetic Genealogy within their jurisdiction. IGGAB is aware of even more US states considering legislation as well, and will post information as it changes. 

Maryland law - effective date Oct 1, 2021. Maryland's law requires investigators to get a signoff by a judge before using IGG. It also dictates that the technique is only used for serious crimes and provides guidelines for the use of reference testers. Lastly, it requires that both the private labs creating the SNP DNA profiles as well as that those performing the IGG work are licensed by the state of Maryland.

​Montana law - signed into law May 7, 2021. Montana's law requires that investigators obtain a search warrant before using a consumer DNA database, unless the consumer has waived the right to privacy. ​
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Utah Law - approved by legislature March 1, 2023, and awaiting the governor's signature. The law establishes minimum requirements that a law enforcement agency must meet before utilizing an investigative genetic genealogy service, and provides limitations on arrests or charges. Additionally, it establishes annual reporting requirements for the use of IGG and creates provisions for post-conviction relief involving IGG.

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Educational Resources

IGGAB does not endorse or promote any specific educational programs, but hopes to provide optional resources for both fundamentals and advanced learning within the field of Investigative Genetic Genealogy in the future. IGGAB also anticipates making a study guide available as a preparation tool for the accreditation exam.

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DNA Database Policies 

FTDNA Terms of Service
FamilyTreeDNA (a d/b/a for Gene by Gene, Ltd) terms of service, including links to all of the FTDNA policies. Last updated January 17, 2022.

GEDmatch Terms of Service
GEDmatch (operated by Verogen) terms of service and privacy policies. Last updated December 30, 2021.

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Peer-Reviewed Research Papers

Several peer-reviewed papers have been published on the topic of regulating the work of IGG, some of which are included below. If there are others which deserve to be included, please notify us at info@bcigg.org. 

"The Need for Standards and Certification for Investigative Genetic Genealogy, and a Notice of Action" Forensic Science International, Volume 341, 2022, ISSN 0379-0738​
D. Gurney, M. Press, C. Moore, C. Rolnick, A. Hochreiter, B. Bossert

"An International Consideration of a Standards-Based Approach to Forensic Genetic Genealogy" Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series, Volume 7, Issue 1, 2019, pages 512-514, ISSN 1875-1768
N. Scudder, J. Robertson, S. Kelty, S. Walsh, D. McNevin

"Regulating Forensic Genetic Genealogy - Maryland ’s new law provides a model for others" SCIENCE, 23 Sep 2021, Vol 373, Issue 6562, pp. 1444-1446, DOI: 10.1126/science.abj5724
Natalie Ram, Erin E Murphy, Sonia M Suter

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