Analyst Talk LEAN - IGGA - Christine Fiechter & Kimm Barnes

Episode: 00327 Released on July 13, 2026 Description:  Investigative genetic genealogy is helping solve cold cases, identify unknown victims, and generate leads that traditional investigative methods could not uncover. But where do law enforcement analysts fit into this rapidly evolving field?

In the inaugural episode of LEAN (Law Enforcement Analysis Networks), host Jason Elder speaks with Christine Fiechter and Kimm Barnes of the newly formed Investigative Genetic Genealogy Association (IGGA). Christine and Kimm explain the fundamentals of investigative genetic genealogy, how DNA matches and family trees are used to develop investigative leads, and some of the common misconceptions surrounding the practice. They introduce IGGA’s mission and its three pillars of education, networking, and professionalism while discussing the association’s role in bringing together professionals from law enforcement, genealogy, forensic science, academia, and the private sector.

The conversation also explores opportunities for law enforcement analysts to enter the IGG field, training pathways, gaining leadership support, the advantages and challenges faced by smaller agencies, and the evolving legal and ethical landscape surrounding IGG. Whether you are already working with investigative genetic genealogy or simply curious about where your analytical skills could take you next, this episode demonstrates why analysts may already possess one of the most important IGG skills: the ability to connect the dots.

LEAN (Law Enforcement Analysis Networks) is a recurring Analyst Talk series connecting analysts with the professional associations, communities, and networks that can support their careers and professional growth. Each LEAN episode introduces an organization of interest to the law enforcement analysis profession, explores what it does and who it serves, and highlights opportunities for analysts to learn, connect, contribute, and get involved.

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Name Drops:  Bryan Kohberger (00:19:00), Michelle Kennedy (00:39:53) 
Public Service Announcements:
Abigail W. (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-abigail-w-%e2%80%93-the-storytelling-analyst/)
Jeff Vandersip (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/jeffrey-vandersip-the-crackerjack-analyst/)
Chris Mason (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-chris-mason-the-silver-lining-analyst/)
Related Links:
https://igg-assoc.org/
https://www.ramapo.edu/igg/certificate-program/
https://www.uniteddataconnect.com/home
Jeff Vandersip’s Analyst Badge Stoy on a IGG investigation - https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/jeffrey-vandersip-the-crackerjack-analyst/ (00:24:40)
DOJ Interim Policy on Forensic Genetic Genealogical DNA Analysis and Searching - https://www.justice.gov/olp/page/file/1204386/dl
IGG Glossary:
Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) - The use of DNA analysis and genealogical research to identify unknown individuals, including criminal suspects and unidentified human remains.
Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) - Another term used for investigative genetic genealogy, emphasizing its forensic application.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Profile - A detailed DNA profile containing genetic markers used to identify biological relationships between individuals.
Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Profile - The type of DNA profile traditionally used in CODIS and other forensic DNA identification systems.
GEDmatch Pro - The law enforcement portal of GEDmatch that allows authorized comparison of eligible DNA profiles for investigative purposes.
Genetic Match List - A list of individuals who share measurable amounts of DNA with the unknown person represented by a SNP profile.
Reverse Engineering a Family Tree - The IGG process of starting with DNA matches, identifying their common ancestors and family relationships, and working toward the unknown individual.
Centimorgan - A unit used to measure genetic linkage and estimate the biological relationship between individuals who share DNA.
Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) - A laboratory process used to sequence an individual's DNA and potentially develop data suitable for investigative genetic genealogy.
Bioinformatics - Computational processes used to analyze, process, and sometimes improve the usability of DNA sequencing data.
Unidentified Human Remains (UHR) - Human remains for which the identity of the deceased has not been established.
Misattributed Parentage - A situation in which a presumed biological relationship, such as parentage, differs from the actual genetic relationship.
Direct-to-Consumer DNA Testing - Commercial genetic testing services that allow individuals to submit DNA samples for genealogy, ancestry, or other personal purposes.
Opt-In Consent - A process requiring users to affirmatively permit their DNA profiles to be compared with law enforcement samples.
Pre-Tree-Building Analysis - The analytical evaluation of DNA matches before constructing family trees to determine which matches and research strategies are most likely to advance an IGG investigation.

Association(s) Mentioned: IGGA
Vendor(s) Mentioned:
Contact:  
Christine Fiechter: cfiechter@igg-assoc.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinefiechter/
Kimm Barnes: kbarnes@igg-assoc.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimm-barnes/
Transcript:  https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/6d3iz6gxtyffkh8z/IGGA_transcripts.pdf
Podcast Writer:
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00:00:25 – Introducing LEAN and the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Association
00:02:48 – What Is Investigative Genetic Genealogy?
00:10:24 – DNA Databases, GEDmatch, FamilyTreeDNA, and Common Misconceptions
00:16:05 – Cold Cases, Unidentified Remains, and Other Uses of IGG
00:23:35 – Why the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Association Was Created
00:27:29 – IGGA’s Mission, Membership, Education, and Professional Community
00:34:28 – Where Law Enforcement Analysts Fit into Investigative Genetic Genealogy
00:38:30 – Training, Building an IGG Network, and Getting Started
00:40:26 – Selling IGG to Leadership and Opportunities for Smaller Agencies
00:44:28 – Legal Issues, Ethics, Standards, and the Future of IGG