National Police Association Podcast with Guest, Christine Burke, Author, Trainer, Forensic Genetic Genealogist
Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (ret.) sits down with former police sergeant and investigative trailblazer Christine Burke to explore the groundbreaking world of forensic genetic genealogy. Christine shares her compelling personal journey from banking to law enforcement, her passion for solving complex investigations, and how a surprising DNA discovery changed the trajectory of her life and career.
Together, they delve into how this powerful tool is revolutionizing the investigation of cold cases, unidentified remains, and even new crimes—whether you're a seasoned detective or a civilian interested in joining the fight for justice.
Key Topics Covered
- Christine’s unexpected path into law enforcement and what drew her to detective work
- The basics of genetic genealogy and how it differs from traditional DNA methods like CODIS
- The role of genetic genealogy in solving cold cases and identifying human remains
- How the technology contributed to major cases, including the Idaho murders case involving Brian Kohberger
- Christine’s personal DNA discovery and how it inspired her to help others solve their family mysteries
- How civilians—not just law enforcement—can get involved and become trained investigators
- Why departments must revisit old evidence, as labs can now extract usable DNA from minimal or degraded samples
