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What Every Law Enforcement Officer Should Know About DNA Evidence

First Responding Officers

DNA Evidence Overview

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Image overlay of victim with blood spatter, microscope for dna analysis, and courtroom interior
National Institute of Justice (NIJ) (see reuse policy).

Welcome

DNA was first introduced as evidence in the United States criminal court system in 1986. In little more than a decade, DNA technology became an increasingly powerful forensic tool for identifying or eliminating suspects, when biological evidence such as saliva, skin, blood, hair or semen is left at a crime scene.

Click on the  info icon info icon below to view more information on the use of DNA evidence in court.

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