Chunk #131 — III. Selected Methodological Issues — D. Ethical issues in high density genotyping of individuals who are selected due to self-reported illegal behaviors
Almost 40% of males and 15% of females in cohorts from the areas of Baltimore from which Sample 1 and Sample 2 research volunteers come have experienced significant adult criminal justice system involvement (eg incarceration as adults) by the time they reach their late 20’s (N. Ialongo, personal communication, 2008). It thus seems reasonable to conclude that several of the >3400 research volunteers from whom DNAs were collected to form Samples 1 and 2 might be at potential risk for matches with crime scene DNA profiles. Similar potential risks might also be incurred through genetic study participation by individuals who report dependence on illegal substances in other parts of the United States. While this problem is not unique to studies of the genetics of illegal behaviors, it appears to be much more likely in this than in most other areas of complex genetics.
