Note: Ensure Officer Safety – Be Careful With Biohazards

1. Avoid Contamination

Wear gloves — change them often

Use disposable instruments or clean them thoroughly before & after handling each sample

Avoid touching area where you believe DNA may exist

Avoid talking, sneezing, & coughing over evidence

Avoid touching your face, nose, and mouth when collecting & packaging evidence

Air-dry evidence thoroughly before packaging

Put evidence into new paper bags or envelopes

DO NOT use plastic bags

DO NOT use staples

2. Transportation & Storage

Keep evidence dry & at room temperature

Once packaged – seal & label

3. Document

Location found

Chain of custody

4. Collect Elimination Sample(s)

Determines if DNA is from suspect or other(s)

Used for comparison

Homicide: victim (even if decomposed)

Rape: victim’s recent consensual partners (approach victim with extreme sensitivity & provide full explanation for request. Consider having victim advocate present)

Burglary: other persons at residence / building

Next: Seizure of Electronic Evidence

Previous: Incident Management

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