Abstract

The genome revolution has provided the basis for many new applications in diverse areas such as health, food and agriculture, and forensics. While standard DNA profiling has become the paramount form of identification in forensics, expansion of genomic applications is being considered and tested to provide more descriptive information to facilitate the capture of perpetrators. Two major applications are being explored and tested: 1) ancestry profiling from which race can be inferred; and 2) profiling for physical traits to provide a genetic-based description or sketch. The use and incorporation of these new applications raises several logistical questions and ethical issues. This article will explore some of the policy implications in the use of expanded genome profiling for forensics purposes