Policy Text
TODD ELGIN, CHIEF OF POLICE
Professional Standards Division NUMBER: 2019 -02
ISSUED: January 23, 2019
Rapid DNA Collection Procedures
The collection of DNA from crime scenes is an important part of an investigation. All DNA swabs
collected from crime scenes are processed through the Orange County Crime Lab (OCCL) . After the
OCCL tests the DNA, typically the results will either be, “A male/female profile was obtained ,” or “An
insufficient quantity of DNA for typing was recovered.” When a male or female profile is obtained, the
profile is then searched through the OCCL database. If the suspect has never been arrested in Orange
County, their DNA profile will not be in the OCCL database. The OCCL can then submit the profile for
compari son through state and national CODIS databases and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office
local database.
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office has a “Rapid DNA” program which allows us to
run certain DNA through their own database. The databa se is much smaller, but it allows us to run DNA
and get results much faster than when it is submitted through the state and national CODIS databases.
This gives detectives the ability to identify a suspect or build leads on a case much faster.
The types o f DNA that can be submitted to Rapid DNA are limited to items with a high
concentration of DNA . These items include chewing gum, cigarette butts, blood , semen, saliva and
other bodily fluids . Touch DNA or items left behind by suspects (crowbars, screwdrive rs, hats etc.) are
not eligible for Rapid DNA. When collecting high ly concentrated DNA such as blood, it is imperative that
TWO SWABS FROM THE SAME SOURCE be collected. On e swab will be submitted to Rapid DNA
the other to the OCCL. If only one swab is coll ected, it must be submitted to the OCCL. TRAINING BULLETIN
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office is very willing to assist on investigations and will
run DNA through Rapid on almost any case where highly concentrated DNA is collected. This includes
misdemeanors and felonies . Rapid DNA is typically ran once a week and results can come in almost
immediately . On high priority cases, the District Attorney’s Office can run DNA the same day it is
collected. Unlike the OCCL, the Rapid DNA program has fewer restrictions on what can be submitted.
Officers should keep in mind that two samples from the same source must be collected in order to run
the DNA through Rapid.
Booking Evidence
If blood is located on the driver seat and passenger seat of a vehicle on a vehicle burglary, the
officer should collect two swabs of DNA from each blood source on each seat. For example, two swabs
should be taken from the blood on the driver seat and two swabs should be taken from the passenger seat
for a total of four swabs (It may be e asiest if the officer holds two cotton swabs and collects the blood
simultaneously). When booking these highly concentrated DNA items into evidence, they should be
placed in separate envelopes, and booked as separate items in evidence. In the example where four
swabs were collected, they should be labeled and booked into evidence as follows:
Item #1: Swab of apparent blood located on driver seat
Item #2: Secondary swab of apparent blood located on driver seat
Item#3: Swab of apparent blood located on passen ger seat
Item #4: Secondary swab of apparent blood located on passenger seat
Prepared by: Detective Gerald Jordan, Property Crimes