Probative Value and Prioritization

Prioritizing Evidence at the Scene

crime scene information report on a clipboard.

To prioritize the evidence at a crime scene, investigators first establish the type of crime committed, then develop a working theory of how it was carried out and determine what information is needed to assist in solving the case. Evidence is evaluated and prioritized based on which items are the most probative and have the strongest relationship to the crime.⁶

Investigators must consider the following factors to identify the most probative items to submit for analysis:

Laboratory capabilities and limitations
Type(s) of testing methods that will be most beneficial to the case given the type of evidence present
Amount of DNA that may be present, especially in regards to touch DNA
Prosecution needs

⁶ Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Forensic Science Laboratory Guide to DNA Analysis PDF download: 448kB • Visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension »

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