Identifying DNA Evidence

Since only a few cells can be sufficient to obtain useful DNA information to help your case, the list below identifies some common items of evidence that you may need to collect, the possible location of the DNA on the evidence, and the biological source containing the cells. Remember that just because you cannot see a stain does not mean there are not enough cells for DNA typing. Further, DNA does more than just identify the source of the sample; it can place a known individual at a crime scene, in a home, or in a room where the suspect claimed not to have been. It can refute a claim of self-defense and put a weapon in the suspect's hand. It can change a story from an alibi to one of consent. The more officers know how to use DNA, the more powerful a tool it becomes

Evidence Possible Location of DNA on the Evidence Source of DNA baseball bat or similar weapon handle, end sweat, skin, blood, tissue hat, bandanna, or mask inside sweat, hair, dandruff eyeglasses nose or ear pieces, lens sweat, skin facial tissue, cotton swab surface area mucus, blood, sweat, semen, ear wax dirty laundry surface area blood, sweat, semen toothpick tips saliva used cigarette cigarette butt saliva stamp or envelope licked area saliva tape or ligature inside/outside surface skin, sweat bottle, can, or glass sides, mouthpiece saliva, sweat used condom inside/outside surface semen, vaginal or rectal cells blanket, pillow, sheet surface area sweat, hair, semen, urine, saliva "through and through" bullet outside surface blood, tissue bite mark person's skin or clothing saliva fingernail, partial fingernail scrapings blood, sweat, tissue