- 01 Introduction
- 02 Biology of DNA
- 03 Practical Issues Specific to DNA Evidence
- 04 Introduction to the Forensic DNA Laboratory
- 05 Assuring Quality in DNA Testing
- 06 Understanding a Forensic DNA Lab Report
- 07 Statistics and Population Genetics
- 08 Mitochondrial DNA & Y-STR Analysis
- 09 Forensic DNA Databases
- 10 Collection of DNA Evidence from Suspects and Arrestees
- 11 Pretrial DNA Evidence Issues
- 12 Victim Issues
- 13 Trial Presentation
- 14 Postconviction DNA Cases
- 15 Emerging Trends
Principles of Forensic DNA
for Officers of the Court
for Officers of the Court
Module 10 :: Collection of DNA
Topic 2 :: Key Legal Issues Surrounding the Collection of DNA Evidence
"Cold Hits" and Probable Cause
When DNA evidence is recovered from a crime scene, time may pass, even years, before comparison with a known DNA sample identifies the source of the DNA evidence. This is known as a cold hit. Cold hits are database matches that identify someone who was not previously suspected.
The DNA match establishes probable cause for an arrest and may permit an arrest even if the statute of limitations has expired.
