Genetic genealogy is cracking cases once thought unsolvable. Not all police forces can afford to use it

New technology is allowing detectives to take DNA evidence from old cases and search for family ties online. But testing that DNA, devoting officers to the case and hiring genealogists to look for clues costs money and not all police forces have the funding.

Genetic genealogy is cracking cases once thought unsolvable. Not all police forces can afford to use it
A lab technician in blue protective suit, masked and gloved, stands in front of a machine with its lid open.

New technology is allowing detectives to take DNA evidence from old cases and search for family ties online. But testing that DNA, devoting officers to the case and hiring genealogists to look for clues costs money and not all police forces have the funding.