G14.1.7 Biological and Perishable Evidence
Chapter: Chapter 14 – Collection and Preservation of Evidence
Sub-Chapter: 14.1 - Evidence Collection
Effective Date: 11/01/2019
Revised Date: 02/08/2023
Rescinds: G14.1.1 - 11/1/2019
Purpose
To define the procedures the Indiana University Police Department (IUPD) will follow when collecting, processing, and preserving biological, serological, and other forms of perishable evidence.
General Order
The IUPD will follow the procedures outlined in this general order when collecting biological, serological, and other forms of perishable evidence. IUPD personnel will collect, process, and preserve biological, serological, and other forms of perishable evidence commensurate with the training they have received.
Procedures
Evidence suitable for DNA analysis can be found at many crime scenes and is a powerful investigative tool for linking suspects to crimes, eliminating suspects, and identifying victims. Blood and semen are the two most common sources of DNA evidence, however other body tissues and fluids can be used for analysis even in microscopic quantities. All officers will be trained on the common sources of DNA evidence, ways to protect against contamination of samples, and basic collection and packaging guidelines.
DNA is particularly sensitive and subject to contamination. Therefore, IUPD personnel must be familiar with situations that will degrade, destroy, or contaminate DNA evidence. When collecting biological evidence, IUPD personnel will observe the following precautions:
- Wearing personal protective equipment, including a mask that covers the nose and mouth and gloves.
- Changing gloves between collections of samples in different areas.
- Using disposable instruments or cleaning them thoroughly with a 10 percent bleach solution before and after handling each sample.
- Avoid touching the area where DNA may exist.
- Air drying all biological evidence thoroughly before packaging. If it cannot be air-dried, refrigerate and submit to the laboratory within seven (7) days.
- Placing evidence into new paper bags or envelopes. Do not use plastic bags.
- Using sterile swabs to collect liquid blood. Vials containing blood samples will be refrigerated as soon as possible, but no later than twenty-four (24) hours from the time of collection.
- Photographing bloodstains before being collected. The item containing the bloodstain will be packaged or wrapped carefully in paper so that the bloodstain is not dislodged or disturbed.
- Bloodstained articles and blood samples will be submitted to evidence as soon as possible. Care will be taken to not expose the evidence to extreme temperatures or prolonged UV exposure.
- Using a unique identifier for each sample that will be collected or swabbed for collection. The unique identifier will be included in the photograph taken prior to collection.
- Using a cotton swab lightly moistened with distilled water to collect dried bloodstains on fixed objects too large to transport or on porous surfaces.
- All biological and serological evidence packages will have a biohazard sticker affixed to the exterior of the packaging.
If the scene contains biological or serological evidence that needs collected and the necessary techniques to collect the evidence exceed the capabilities and training of the patrol officer, the scene will be secured until an evidence technician who is trained in biological and serological evidence handling and collection responds.
Blood samples taken for alcohol or drug analysis will be drawn by a certified phlebotomist and witnessed by an IUPD officer. Blood will be collected in a gray-top tube. Officers will check the tube expiration date prior to the collection of the sample. Officers will ensure the label is completely filled out and the toxicology analyst request paperwork is completed. Once collected, the officer will submit the tube(s) into evidence.
The IUPD may be required to store evidence collected from a forensic medical examination of an individual who reports being a victim of a sexual assault. In accordance with Indiana Code (IC) 16-21-8-10, upon receiving notification that evidence from a forensic medical exam has been collected, the IUPD will obtain the evidence within forty-eight (48) hours and transport it to secured evidence storage.
In accordance with IC 35-43-4-4(h), other perishable items that are considered evidence, such as shoplifted food, may be photographed and returned to the owner in lieu of collecting and retaining the items.
Related Information
Indiana Code
- IC 16-21-8-10 Law enforcement duty to transport a sample to secured storage; victim notification; county plans; destruction of samples
- IC 35-43-4-4 Evidence
Indiana University Police Department
- IUPD Property and Evidence Packaging & Submission Manual