Using the Montana State Crime Lab Serology/DNA Collection Manual, answer the following questions:
1. Biological evidence is considered hazardous. Why is this the case?
2. Describe measures you can use at a scene to protect yourself from these hazards.
3. When collecting items such as cigarette butts, how should those items be packaged? Would you ever use a plastic bag? Why or why not?
After posting your original post, be sure to engage in discussion with your peers.
- National Forensic Science Technology Center. (2013). A simplified guide to DNA evidence. This document from the National Forensic Science Technology Center describes the basics of how DNA is examined.
- Montana State Police Crime Lab. (2016). Serology/DNA evidence collection manual. This is a link to a manual currently in use by the Montana State Crime Lab that describes how to collect biological evidence.
- Couenhoven P. (n.d.). History and science of forensic DNA testing. A short history of the use of DNA in forensics and other applications.
- Denver Police (2016). Inside the crime lab: Forensic biology DNA unit [Video]. Youtube. This video from the Denver Police Department offers an inside look into the operations of a forensic biology lab.
- National Forensic Academy. (2016). How to properly swab DNA evidence at a crime scene [Video]. Youtube. How to swab for DNA at a crime scene, provided by the National Forensic Academy.
- National Institute of Justice. (1999). What every law enforcement officer should know about DNA evidence. Although an older reference, the information in this pdf document is still relevant today.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2011). The FBI and DNA: Part 1: A look at the nationwide system that helps solve crimes. Although a bit outdated, this is a nice introduction to the CODIS system.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2011). The FBI and DNA: Part 2: More about the nationwide system that helps solve crimes. Although a bit outdated, more about the CODIS system.