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What Every Law Enforcement Officer Should Know About DNA Evidence

Investigators and Evidence Technicians

Sexual Assault

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Collection Procedures for a Sexual Assault Case

Procedures for collecting DNA evidence from a sexual assault case:

  • If the assault occurred on a bed, collect the top surface of bed linen, which may hold stains, hairs, or fibers.
  • If wet stains are visible, use a permanent marker to discretely mark the location of the wet stain and document your actions.
  • Package evidence in paper to promote drying, but take care to avoid folding garments together to prevent the inadvertent transfer of stains to unstained portions of the garment.

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