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Principles of Forensic DNA for Officers of the Court

Seizure of DNA

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Whether conducted pursuant to a warrant, court order, or as part of routine processing, the nature of the intrusion to secure a biological sample must still be considered. In most cases, collecting blood, hair, or body swabs will not violate a person's constitutional rights, as it generally is not a substantially invasive procedure. 12

If a warrantless seizure of DNA is permitted, the same limits of intrusiveness apply.

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