Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society’s April meeting will present An Introduction to Forensic Genetic Genealogy, a free talk with genealogist and author Penny Walters, 9:30 a.m.-noon, Saturday, April 15 at First Presbyterian Church, 21 E. Constance Ave., Santa Barbara, or via Zoom.

Investigative genetic genealogy is the emerging practice of using genetic information from direct-to-consumer DNA test results for identifying potential suspects or victims in criminal cases.

The resultant method of super-sleuthing familial relationships and then apprehending a potential suspect seems to divide the genealogy community. Genealogists ask: can we take advantage of new technologies while maintaining an ethical approach?

Walters has been a University lecturer for 35 years, currently teaching masters business studies at Bath Spa University, England, and previously undergraduate psychology and ethics.

Walters’ interest in genealogy started after having her first baby and then wondering about her biological parents, as she was adopted. Walters has six mixed-race children, who have all enjoyed discovering their roots through DNA ethnicity results.

Walters lectures internationally in person, including throughout America, Australi, and Ireland. She has authored the books: “Ethical Dilemmas in Genealogy” (2019) and “The Psychology of Searching.” For more, visit https://www.searchmypast.co.uk.

To register for the Zoom presentation or learn more about the Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society, visit SBGEN.org.