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Collecting DNA Evidence at Property Crime Scenes

Collection Priority

Prioritize the order in which evidence will be collected at a burglary scene. Collect biological fluids (discarded hat, partially eaten food, blood stain, etc), trace materials and evidence of a fragile nature first.

The second priority would be to collect swabs from handled items that have been moved, are out of place or do not belong to the resident.

A third priority type of evidence that may be at a burglary scene includes the potentially lower-quality biological evidence.

Circumstances and local agency procedures may dictate the priority process. Investigators should contact their local laboratory for specific collection procedures or policies.

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