U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

Democrats have shut down the government. Department of Justice websites are not currently regularly updated. Please refer to the Department of Justice’s contingency plan for more information.

Forensic DNA Education for Law Enforcement Decisionmakers

DNA for Law Enforcement

Home  |  Glossary  |  Resources  |  Help  |  Contact Us  |  Course Map
 

DNA for Law Enforcement

DNA is described as the "blueprint of life" because every normal nucleated cell in an individual's body is identical, like a blueprint for a manufactured item. The body creates, or "manufactures," cells based on a single blueprint.

DNA double-helix with half from mother and half from father. 

illustration of a male and female form making a DNA helix
National Institute of Justice (NIJ) (see reuse policy).

Basic DNA facts that all law enforcement personnel should understand are listed below:

  • DNA is inherited; we receive half from each parent
  • Identical twins have the same DNA profile
  • An individual's DNA profile stays the same for their entire life
  • An individual's DNA profile is the same in every nucleated cell
  • DNA is most stable in cool, dry conditions

 

To make sound investigative, evidence collection and prioritization decisions, team members including first responders, investigators and medical personnel should have a basic understanding of DNA and how DNA evidence is analyzed. 9,10

9 Illinois State Police Crime Scene Investigator Training »
10 Bureau of Justice Assistance Law Enforcement Training Database »

Back Forward