- 01: Introduction
- 02: History
- 03: Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development
- 04: Modern Firearms Manufacture
- 05: Small Arms Ammunition
- 06: Evidence Handling Procedures
- Introduction
- Objectives
- AFTE Knowledge and Ability Factors
- Types of Evidence
- Associative Evidence
- The Crime Scene
- Evidence Submission
- Laboratory Evidence Handling
- Case Tracking Within the Laboratory
- Firearm and Toolmark Examination Considerations
- Selected Bibliography
- 07: Equipment and Instrumentation
- 08: Examination of Firearms
- 09: Cartridge and Shotshell Examination
- 10: Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles
- 11: Bullet Comparison and Identification
- 12: Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination
- 13: Toolmark Identification
- 14: Communicating Results
- Resources
Touch DNA Evidence
Home > Evidence Handling Procedures > Types of Evidence > Biological Evidence > Touch DNA Evidence
A DNA profile may be obtained by swabbing items thought to have been handled by a suspect, even in the absence of visible evidence. The ability to preserve and obtain this touch DNA evidence has evolved and been recognized over recent years.
Touch DNA source
Laboratory protocol will dictate who will collect this evidence. Firearm, latent print, or DNA examiners may have responsibility for collection. Regardless of who collects the evidence, the firearm or item to be swabbed should be handled with gloves prior to and during swabbing for potential touch DNA evidence.
Touch DNA evidence may be obtained from a firearm handled by a suspected shooter. Surfaces of the firearms that may be swabbed include slide serrations, serrated triggers, hammers, grips, magazine releases, and safety levers. The DNA swabs are preserved and packaged for later testing, if required.
