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Collecting DNA Evidence at Property Crime Scenes

Special Situations

Special Situations

Photo of Wet evidence in sand
National Institute of Justice (NIJ) (see reuse policy).

Procedures for collecting wet stains on absorbent substances are as follows:

  • Scoop a thin layer of soil (or sand).
  • Allow to thoroughly air-dry.
  • Package in bindle paper.

For Liquid Containers:

  • Empty liquid containers by poking a hole in the bottom to avoid liquid contact with the mouth area.
  • Request test for both DNA and latent fingerprints.
  • Mark aluminum cans for "Room Temperature Storage," as cold or frozen storage causes condensation on metal, which may dilute biological evidence.

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