Patent ID: 8661048
Filing Date: 2014-02-25
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method utilizing a crime investigation tool in which the crime investigation tool is configured to compare at least one DNA profile corresponding to at least one evidentiary DNA sample from a crime scene against a database, maintained by a host, of profiles corresponding with previously collected and processed DNA samples, the method comprising the steps of: (a) acquiring directly from the host, which is a separate entity from a user accessing a host database, a first low level of access to the host database; (b) acquiring the at least one evidentiary DNA sample from the crime scene for analysis; (c) processing the at least one evidentiary DNA sample from the crime scene to obtain the at least one evidentiary DNA profile having information relating to variable lengths of repetitive DNA portions of the at least one evidentiary DNA sample; (d) applying the first low level of access in order to access the database and entering the at least one evidentiary DNA profile into the database; (e) acquiring an individual reference DNA sample for analysis, the individual reference DNA sample having identification information; (f) disconnecting the identification information from the individual reference DNA sample and securely storing the identification information separately and independently from the individual reference DNA sample to provide an anonymous DNA sample for unbiased processing, such that no direct linkage exists between identification information and the individual reference DNA sample and such that only the host has access to the existing identification information and only the host has the ability to reconnect the identification information to the individual reference DNA sample; (g) processing the anonymous DNA sample to obtain an anonymous DNA profile having information relating to variable lengths of repetitive DNA portions of the anonymous DNA sample; (h) entering the anonymous DNA profile into the database; (i) generating a scientific data report based on a comparison of the anonymous DNA profile to each of the at least one evidentiary DNA profile; (j) separating the scientific data report into a comprehensive data report and an abridged report, the abridged report containing summary information concerning a match between the anonymous DNA profile and the at least one evidentiary DNA profile stored in the database, and the comprehensive data report having at least one statistical information selected from the group consisting of types of crimes committed in a predetermined region, number of total crimes, number of unsolved crimes, and related crimes; (k) reporting the abridged report; (l) acquiring directly from the host a second level of access, that is higher and more secure than the first low level, so that access is available to the identification information which is separately and independently maintained by the host according to step (f); (m) applying the second level of access, reconnecting the identification information with the anonymous DNA profile of the anonymous DNA sample, and attaching the identification information to the abridged report; and (n) reporting the abridged report having the identification information attached; wherein: steps (a) through (n) are performed sequentially; and the summary information in the abridged report includes identification information having a subset of information related to the matching DNA profiles including at least one of an identity of the donor of DNA samples associated with the matching DNA profiles, information related to the donor, or information related to location, time or circumstances of obtaining the DNA samples corresponding to the matching DNA profiles.