When the LAPD requested a state check of familial DNA in the “Grim Sleeper” case, it was fortunate that the match occurred in California. If the suspect’s son had been arrested and jailed in, say, Nevada - or any of the many other states that currently don’t permit the use of familial DNA searches - finding a match, and therefore making an arrest, would have been unlikely. For this reason, the LAPPL advocates allowing the FBI to conduct familial DNA searches via the national DNA database.

To this end, Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., has smartly introduced the Utilizing DNA Technology to Solve Cold Cases Act of 2010 that instructs the FBI to create a mechanism for conducting familial searches of the national DNA database while providing appropriate privacy protections.

"The ‘Grim Sleeper’ was a case that spanned nearly 25 years of investigation and claimed the lives of 11 innocent victims," said LAPD Chief Charlie Beck. "It was not until we attempted to use familial DNA that our investigators got the clue they needed. Familial DNA testing proved to be an invaluable tool that assisted our detectives in the apprehension of the ‘Grim Sleeper’ murder suspect, and the ability to utilize the national database would strengthen that tool even further."

On July 30, the bill was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. It deserves speedy consideration and enactment. Many cold cases in Los Angeles and throughout the United States will stand a better chance of being solved, and give many affected families closure, once this common-sense legislation becomes law.