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Due to the sensitivity of current DNA techniques, extreme caution, including wearing a face mask, must be taken if the person undertaking the crime stain sampling has a medical condition that causes the shedding of body fluids or particles e.g. colds, coughs or influenza. Other conditions such as eczema or severe dandruff may require the wearing of additional barrier clothing.
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All containers used for transportation (e.g. cool boxes, crates, boxes) should be cleaned before and after use, or, if possible, not re-used.
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Scene of crime officers’ work area should be cleaned regularly with wipes containing chlorohexadine.
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Wherever possible sterile, disposable sampling materials should be used.
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Disposable gloves must always be worn over cuffs and should be changed after handling individual items/objects. Barrier clothing should also be used as often as possible.
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For serious offences wear disposable face masks, overshoes and hooded suits.
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Handle items as little as possible, items should not be re-opened even for interview purposes. Use paper bags with transparent panels.
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Always handle one item at a time.
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It may be necessary to change gloves between the handling of different items.
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Where possible, take the container to the evidence and not the evidence to the container.
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Contact between victim and suspect samples should be avoided at all times.
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Ensure that any person attending a crime scene has no contact with a suspect or his/her clothing.
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Multiple suspects, the victim and their clothing must be kept apart at all times and should not be allowed to come into contact with the same objects (e.g. police car, interview room, custody suite).
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Each item should be packaged, sealed, and labelled as soon as it is taken.
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Never pack several items/objects together.
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Use bags of a suitable size or shape, do not force items into packaging that is too small, bags may tear or lids may be forced off.
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Seal all packaging securely; use adhesive tape on all edges and sign and date over seals.
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Never use staples or pins to seal packages.
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Never re-use packaging.
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If an item will not fit or packaging is used in error do not use it for a different item. It must be discarded.
- Never eat, drink or smoke when recovering evidential samples.
