Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy

UNCOVER ANSWERS. SOLVE CASES. SERVE JUSTICE.

At Bode Technology, we understand the challenges law enforcement faces in solving violent crimes and identifying human remains. When traditional DNA analysis methods fall short, Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) provides a powerful solution to uncover critical leads and bring cases closer to resolution.

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What is FIGG?

FIGG combines advanced DNA technology with genealogical research to generate actionable leads. Designed to assist law enforcement, FIGG is the next step when traditional DNA searches come up short. Our approach has empowered law enforcement agencies to resolve both active and long standing cold cases, and provide much-needed answers to families.

How FIGG Can Help Your Investigation

FIGG isn’t just about technology; it’s about delivering answers. Our services empower agencies to:

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Identify New Leads: FIGG connects DNA evidence to potential persons of interest or their relatives, providing investigative leads when CODIS is inconclusive.

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Solve Cold Cases: FIGG can breathe new life into long-unsolved crimes, offering a pathway to justice providing answers to victims and their families.

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Support Prosecution: By narrowing down suspects or confirming identities, FIGG provides evidence that strengthens your case.

Why choose bode technology?

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Proven Expertise: We have decades of experience in forensic DNA analysis with a proven track record of testimony-trained analysts and comprehensive reporting, filled with actionable insights to help you close the case.

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Cutting Edge Tools: With access to leading ancestry databases, like GEDmatch PRO™, and state-of-the-art technology, we ensure your case is handled with the most suitable genotyping technology. Learn more about how different technologies impact FIGG outcomes here.

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Collaborative Approach: We work alongside your team to answer questions and guide you through the next steps, from further investigation to court proceedings. The team at Bode Technology provides the support you need every step of the way.

Step by Step: How FIGG Works

Confirm case eligibility

Does your case involve unsolved violent crimes or unidentified remains?
Have traditional DNA searches been exhausted?

Consult and Communicate

Work with Bode Technology to assess DNA suitability
Secure approvals from your prosecutor as applicable

Analyze and Investigate

Generate a SNP profile from your DNA evidence
Upload the SNP profile to GEDmatch PRO™ or another database for analysis

Obtain Leads

Bode’s genealogists build family trees and provide investigative leads

Confirm Identities

Collect DNA from potential leads and Genetic Witnesses to confirm the match through STR profiles

Success Stories: FIGG in Action

See how FIGG has made a difference in cases across the country.

The Wrong Place at the Wrong Time: How the Bintz Brothers Went From Convicted Felons to Exonerees

October 4, 2024 Sandra Lison was kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and murdered in 1987 after her...

New Jersey Jane Doe Identified After Three Decades

FIGG returns DNA identification to unidentified Jane Doe remains. The family of 16-year-old Wendy...

Serial Rapist Identified Using Sexual Assault Kit Initiative

Mesa Valley, Arizona Police Department arrest East Valley Rapist 22 years after first offense. The...

Albuquerque Serial Rapist Convicted

FIGG helps Bernalillo County police to identify serial rapist from the 1980s and 1990s. A man...

Serial Rapist in Mississippi Convicted Using FIGG

The case against Daniel Ray Skaggs hinged on an unknown DNA profile developed in 2004. Thanks to...

Bode’s Forensic Genealogy Team Identifies Serial Rapist As Local Firefighter

A $1.4 million grant helps Connecticut police and Bode Technology to identify and arrest serial...

FIGG Identifies Jane Doe Missing Since 1976

For over 40 years Baltimore County Police wondered about the identity of a woman found tortured,...

1956 Murders, The Oldest Cold Case To Benefit From Figg, Solved

DNA from a 1956 cold case has been matched to a suspect thanks to Bode Technology’s FIGG. Lloyd...

Arrest Made In 20 Year-Old Cold Case Homicide

Bode Technology’s FIGG expertise helps Portland Police Bureau Cold Case Unit to identify a murder...

Explore More Success Stories

Innovation Backed by Accreditation and Cutting-Edge Technology

Bode Technology combines the best in science and technology with rigorous standards to deliver unmatched forensic services.

What Sets Us Apart?

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Advanced DNA Testing: SNP genotyping and STR profiling ensure comprehensive analysis.

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Genealogical Expertise: Dedicated professionals use public records and databases to build detailed family trees.

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Accreditations You Can Trust: Bode Technology is in full compliance with the FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories and DNA Databasing Laboratories. In addition we are:

ASCLD/LAB-International accredited
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited
FBI-approved for CODIS uploads

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Our Facilities and Technologies: We have state of the art laboratories equipped with the latest in forensic science technology, including the AVITI System. Learn more about AVITI here.

Funding FIGG: Resources to Bring Justice Within Reach

Bode Technology is committed to ensuring that agencies have the financial resources they need to leverage FIGG. It’s important to remember that applications for federal funding typically open in the spring with grant awards given in the fall. Our team of experts can help you identify opportunities you may be eligible for and partner you with a previous or current grantee for application support. We also provide support for non-federal grants, such as those funded by Season of Justice and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

For more details, visit our Grant Support Page.

Key Grant Programs for FIGG Services

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Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI)

A robust program, SAKI funding is designed to address a variety of different funding areas, from cold cases to sexual assault kit testing backlogs, all of which can include FIGG services and related investigative efforts.

Learn more about SAKI

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PRosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA

Grants to help agencies prosecute cold cases through advanced DNA technology and analysis.

Learn more about this Grant

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Missing and Unidentified Human Remains (MUHR) Program

Dedicated funding to identify missing persons and human remains using innovative methods like FIGG.

Learn more about MUHR

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of cases are eligible for FIGG?

Cases with violent crime cases such as rape, homicide, and aggravated assault, or cases with unidentified human remains, are all eligible for FIGG. Contact us to learn more about if your case is eligible.

What kind of DNA sample is needed?

Our experts generate a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) profile from your evidence—an essential step for genealogical research. As traditional STR profiles typically used for CODIS searches are not compatible with genealogical searches, SNP analysis must be used. Learn more about why SNP profiles necessary for FIGG.

What is GEDmatch Pro™?

A secure, law-enforcement-only genealogy database, offering unparalled access to genetic data for criminal investigations. Designed with privacy in mind, GEDmatch PRO™ ensures ethical standards are met while providing actionable insights for solving cases. Learn more about GEDmatch PRO™.