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Principles of Forensic DNA for Officers of the Court

For How Long Will Samples Be Kept, by Whom, and for What Purpose?

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Photo of blood being drawn from someone's arm
National Institute of Justice (NIJ) (see reuse policy).

Jurisdictional policies may vary regarding the retention and use of victim, suspect and other known reference samples. Some jurisdictions require that samples be destroyed, while others require a formal request and/or court order for the destruction or return of biological material. Biological material collected in a criminal investigation is strictly limited to use for law enforcement purposes.

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