(WTXL) — Florida Department of Law Enforcement is asking the public to allow them access to their genetic testing results to help solve cold cases.

FDLE says genetic genealogy provides leads to investigators based on DNA matches to relatives found in public genealogy databases.

FDLE’s Genetic Genealogy Investigations celebrated one year since its establishment in October 2018.

During their first year, four suspects have been identified using genetic genealogy, which helps with solving cases that are more than a decade old.

“One year ago, FDLE created its genetic genealogy investigations program to help law enforcement agencies solve cold case homicides and sexual assaults,” said FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen. “Today, Florida is a national leader in using genetic genealogy as an investigative tool.”

Florida’s team includes experts in genetic genealogy, analytical research, forensics and investigations who work with local agencies. FDLE partners with Parabon Nanolabs, who conducts the testing and often the initial genetic genealogy work, according to FDLE.

FDLE is encouraging the public to please consider uploading DNA samples to GEDmatch and “opt-in” for law enforcement matching.

Officials say there are more than 140,000 people who have chosen to “opt-in” for law enforcement matching and the service is free.

The use of genetic genealogy helps make Florida safer by providing leads that result in the arrest of suspects in cold case homicides and sexual assaults and taking them out of our Florida neighborhoods and communities.

To sign up for GEDmatch or for more information click here.