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Collecting DNA Evidence at Property Crime Scenes

Third Priority

Third Priority

third priority type of evidence that may be at a burglary scene includes the following:

  • Smudged fingerprints (unsuitable for identification) near the point of entry.
  • Door knobs on doors leading to the exterior.
  • Latches or handles of gates left open.

An example is the handles of tools. Use one slightly moistened swab to sample the handle of the tool. If an item has two ends that could have been handled, such as a tire iron or pry bar, use one swab for each end. Keep the biological evidence collected from one item on one swab, preferably on the tip. Collect control samples per agency guidelines.

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