The Northern Territory Police Force, in collaboration with the Australian Federal Police National Missing Persons Coordination Centre, are embracing innovative technology to help solve long-standing missing persons cases.
Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) combines DNA testing with genealogy research to offer fresh hope for cases that have remained unsolved for years, particularly those of unidentified human remains.
The Northern Territory currently have 64 cases of unidentified human remains under investigation with the Cold Case Taskforce. FIGG technology presents a new frontier in forensic science and allows investigators to use genetic data to trace family connections through DNA. The use of genealogy databases is a game-changer, providing families of missing persons a much-needed opportunity to find closure.
What is Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG)?
FIGG is an emerging technique that combines the power of DNA analysis with genealogy research. By comparing genetic material from unidentified remains with databases of individuals’ DNA, investigators can trace family relationships and potentially identify those who have been missing for years, or in some cases, decades.
This process can be particularly effective for cases where traditional investigative methods have not yielded results. The ability to access and cross-reference large, publicly available DNA databases greatly enhances the likelihood of making connections that would otherwise be impossible.
How Can You Help?
Members of the public who have already submitted their DNA to consumer databases such as Ancestry.com can play a pivotal role in solving cold cases. By downloading your DNA results and uploading them to genealogy databases like GEDmatch or FamilyTreeDNA, you could help solve a case that has left families without answers for years.
Instructions on how to upload DNA results to these databases can be found on their websites:
The key to achieving success with the use of this cutting-edge technology lies in the support of the community.
As FIGG continues to evolve, it holds promise for solving numerous unresolved missing persons cases across the Northern Territory and beyond. With 64 ongoing cases of unidentified human remains in the NT alone, this new method offers a renewed sense of optimism for those seeking answers.
The Northern Territory Police Force is encouraging members of the public to consider participating, helping to bring answers to families and giving long-term missing persons a chance at being identified.
For more information about how you can assist, please visit the websites linked above.
