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Module IIIModule III
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Collection of EvidenceCollection of EvidenceProper Collection, Packaging & Preservation of DNA Evidence
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Learning Objectives Demonstrate proficiency in at least 2 methods of
collecting biological evidence
Recognize at least 2 improper methods of
packaging biological evidence
Explain the importance of proper storage of
biological evidence
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Rule of “Thumb” It’s better to collect it and not submit it than
to not have collected it at all!
Keep lines of communication open between you and the laboratory
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Remember Small items – submit entire item
Large items – submit a portion of the item
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Amount to Collect• Early DNA - Size of quarter
• Serology - Size of dime
• Current DNA - If you can see it, we can try it
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Collection of Blood Evaluate the item/stain and its
probative value Swab the stain (works best on
non-absorbent surfaces) Scrape the stain Cut the stain from the item Collect the item
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Swabbing the Stain Lightly moisten the swab (distilled or
sterile water) Rub swab over the stain, rotating swab Use 2 - 4 more swabs
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Swabbing the Stain Concentrated!! Better to collect it and not use it rather than to
lose the sample altogether Don’t sacrifice other exams!! (latents!)
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Collecting the Item Recommended
• When staining pattern is important• Item is difficult to swab• Item requires multiple exams
Make sure the item is dry Package to ensure integrity (glass, sharps,
breakables)
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Collection of Semen Evaluate the stain and its probative value Swab the stain
• Works best on non-absorbent surfaces
Cut the stain from the item Collect the item
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Collection of Semen : Condom If the condom appears “filled”
• Secure the condom if possible so the inside doesn’t contaminate the outside
• Small hard container closed with• a paperclip• a twist-tie• an electrical tie
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Possible Victim Vaginal Fluid
From suspect pubic area or fingers• Lightly moisten the swab (distilled or
sterile)
• Swab the entire area, rotating the swab
• Use no more than 2 swabs
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Victim Sexual Assault Kit Standardized kit to collect
pertinent biological evidence from the body of the victim
Contact your local laboratory to determine which kit they use
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Suspect Standard Kit• Standardized kit to collect pertinent
biological evidence from the body of the suspect
• Contact your local laboratory to determine which kit they use
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Collection of Hairs/Fibers Post-It notes placed into envelope or Ziploc bag
• Straight into Ziploc bag NOT recommended due to static electricity
Gloves or forceps to transfer hair/fiber(s) into a glassine envelope
Vacuum is generally not recommended
Talk to YOUR laboratory!
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Collection of Saliva From a bitemark:
• Moisten one swab and swab area of mark
• Follow with a dry swab to collect any remaining moisture on skin
• Allow swabs to air dry and package together
From Suspect Pubic Area
• Refer to vaginal fluid instructions
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Known Saliva (Buccal) Swabs Known standard Swab the inside of the cheek area using 2
swabs Rotating them during collection Allow swabs to air dry (or place in swab box)
and package together Submit dry swabs as control swabs
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Fingernail Scrapings/Clippings Collect only when indicated Clip nails into clean paper with a clean clipper Separating left and right nails
OR Scrape the underside of each nail onto a clean paper Package the scrapers inside this paper
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Bone• Co-mingled remains, mass graves, skeletal
remains, exhumations, airplane crashes
• Marrow is where blood is made
• Good to use if no blood is available
• Best to collect rib bone or vertebrae
• Place in jar and freeze
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Teeth
• DNA is in the dental pulp
• Very resistant to decay
• Obtained from teeth of mummies
• Saved baby teeth can be used as secondary DNA standard in missing person cases
• Collect into pill box
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Organs/Tissue• Collect if no blood is available
• Collect liver or spleen
• Place in jar and freeze
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Data Bank Samples
Follow your state or local protocol for collecting samples from arrestees and/or convicted offenders
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Plug in Activity Practice collecting blood evidence Given a variety of substrates Demonstrate proficiency in swabbing,
lifting, scraping and absorbing blood evidence
Determine advantages and disadvantages for each technique
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Technique Advantages Disadvantages
Swabbing
Lifting
Scraping
Absorbing
Activity 1Collecting Blood Stains
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Knowledge into Practice
Look at the following items and determine the best way to handle the object
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Knowledge into Practice
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Knowledge into Practice
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Knowledge into Practice
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Knowledge into Practice
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Knowledge into Practice
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Knowledge into Practice
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Knowledge into Practice
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Knowledge into Practice
For the following items, indicate how you would collect the evidence
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Knowledge into Practice
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Knowledge into Practice
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Knowledge into Practice
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Knowledge into Practice Assuming there is semen on the
following items
Identify the best method to collect the evidence:
• Swab the stain• Cut the stain from the item• Collect the entire item
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Knowledge into Practice
Carpeting
Mattress
Car seat
Tissues
Diaper
Pants
Linoleum floor
“Sex toy”
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Packaging Materials Paper bags Plastic bags* Pill boxes Envelopes and note pad Glass jars
Paint cans Cardboard boxes Evidence tape Specialized materials
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Packaging TechniquesChoice of proper container
• Paper is the packaging material of choice
• Plastic should only be used when there is danger of liquids (biohazard or other) penetrating paper
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Packaging TechniquesAir-Dried
• Evidence should be allowed to air-dry• The optimal method to preserve DNA
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Packaging TechniquesTissue and liquid samples
•Keep refrigerated
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Caution!!Never freeze liquid tubes of blood
Be careful, put glass tubes in plastic bag
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Packaging Techniques Package items separately when recovered
separately
If items found together, then package together
• Clothing in a pile• Cigarettes in an ashtray
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Packaging Techniques Don’t allow fluids or stains to touch each
other or unaffected areas
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Packaging Techniques
Minimize interior movement
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Unacceptable Plastic Multiple items per
bag Stains still wet “Mummy wrap”
Packaging DNA Evidence
Acceptable Paper One item per bag Stains air-dried Do not overfill
bag
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Labeling Packages Name/initials of the collector
Each person/entity subsequently having custody
Date of collection or transfer
Agency and case #
Victim or suspect name
Brief description of item
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Labeling Packages Label container before packaging
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Labeling Packages Label and identify exterior as to content
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Labeling Packages Label the item with warnings/hazards or other
helpful information:
• Biohazard
• Sharp
• Fragile
• Unloaded
• Etc.
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Sealing the Package Seal packages with tape
• Prevents items from falling in• Prevents items from falling out• Provides measure of security – evidence can’t
be accessed unless seal is broken
Initial across seal or under the seal
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Sealing the Package
Acceptable
Scotch tape Packaging tape
Unacceptable
Masking tape Staples
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Plug in ActivityGiven 10 items:
Practice identifying the properly
packaged evidence
Practice identifying the improperly
packaged evidence
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Activity 2Identifying Properly Packaged Evidence
Station PackagesGood Bad (explain)
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
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Identify the Packaging Error
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Identify the Packaging Error
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Identify the Packaging Error
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Knowledge Into Practice
Review the following items of evidence
Describe how to best package them for preservation and transportation
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Knowledge Into Practice
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Knowledge Into Practice
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Knowledge Into Practice
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Knowledge Into Practice
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Knowledge Into Practice
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Properly Labeled Evidence
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Evidence Preservation & Storage
Lack of evidence preservation can render a probative piece of evidence useless!
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Identify the Storage Error
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Preserving DNA Evidence
Acceptable Keep cool
Bring to lab as soon as possible
Unacceptable Keep warm
Delay in transport to lab
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Trunk Storage
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SummaryDO Air dry before packaging Use paper Use separate bags Use plenty of room Seal with scotch tape Initial with permanent marker Keep item cool
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SummaryDON’T
Package item still wet
Use plastic
Clump in one bag
Use smallest bag
Staple shut
Initial with ballpoint pen
Keep in trunk in July
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Now What? Are you familiar with your lab’s DNA testing
policies? Do they…
• Work all types of cases?• Work cases regardless of the submission
of a suspect sample?• Work both subject and non-subject cases?
Contact lab personnel for assistance in evaluating evidence with respect to the lab’s policies and capabilities
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Time to Submit! Follow your agency’s and forensic lab’s
policies• Meet in person?
• Submit only pre-approved items?
• Special times & locations for submission?
• Specific directions?
• Prioritization?– i.e., if you get results on A, don’t worry about B….
Continue the investigation while waiting for results!
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Review Learning Objectives
Demonstrate proficiency in at least 2
methods of collecting biological evidence
Recognize at least 2 improper methods of
packaging biological evidence
Explain the importance of proper storage of
biological evidence
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Questions?
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15 Minutes !
Break
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Film Credits
CSI: Las Vegas
Season Four
Alliance Atlantis
Anthony Zuiker-Producer
The Andy Griffith Show
Desilu Productions
For educational purposes onlyFor educational purposes only