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Biology (DNA) (Submission Requirements)

All Request Types

All
Designated Offences

Ensure a DNA Designated offence is listed in the offence section of the C-414. Refer to section 487.04 of the Criminal Code of Canada.  

Prior Association
Specify any previous contact or relationship between suspect(s) and complainant(s)/victim(s) on the C-414.
SA

Sexual Assault Investigations

Listing Exhibits - Sexual Assault Examination Kit exhibits:

​Each item collected as part of the kit must be individually listed as its own exhibit on the C-414.

  • It is helpful to include the SAEK item # in the description.

 

Indicate if body swabs (breast, thigh, arm, etc.) were collected for suspected saliva, semen or if it's unknown (e.g. fluorescence was observed during the SAEK examination).

 

List fingernail scrapings/clippings if there are indications a struggle occurred or that the assailant was scratched.

 

List any items seized from the suspect(s) such as penile swabs, underwear (or pants when no underwear were worn). 

  • Also indicate how long after the occurrence these were collected and if the suspect(s) were thought to have changed or washed prior to collection. 

Listing Exhibits - Additional Items:

List items such as condoms, feminine hygiene products (pads, tampons) or objects used for penetration and/or as weapons, when available.

 

Multiple items of clothing should be packaged, sealed and listed as separate exhibits.

  • When items are received by police packaged together, they can remain as such. Ensure the exhibit description on the C414 lists all items in the package.

 

When multiple pairs of underwear (or pants, leggings, etc.) are collected, indicate which item was:

  • worn closest to the body, and

  • was worn during or put on directly after the occurrence, or

  • indicate if it's unknown.

 

Indicate the availability of bedding items (sheets, pillow cases, comforters, etc.) in the synopsis only, unless they are the only items available for submission.

Items typically approved in a first submission include:

  • internal sexual assault kit swabs (e.g. vaginal, rectal)

  • body swabs collected for suspected semen or saliva

  • penile swabs from suspect(s)

  • known DNA samples

  • underwear may also be accepted in certain circumstances

 

Note - Following the results of the first submission, a new submission including one or more of the remaining exhibits can be requested if useful results were not obtained. 

Provide a copy of the completed RCMP Sexual Assault Examination Kit (SAEK) forms #2 (Sexual Assault History) and #4 (Forensic Evidence Record).

 

The synopsis should also include the additional following details:

  • The victim/complainant's level of consciousness or awareness of the events.

  • Was any of the seized clothing or bedding items washed since the occurrence?

    • This includes those seized from the suspect(s), complainant(s)/victim(s) or scenes.

Listing Exhibits - Known DNA samples:

​A known DNA sample from the victim/complainant must be listed on the C414 as an exhibit – this is generally collected as part of the SAEK examination.

  • A dried blood or buccal sample is preferred.

  • Note - liquid blood and urine samples are typically collected for the purposes of Toxicology analysis.

  • Visit Completing a C-414 - Toxicology for more information.

 

Whenever possible, a sample (dried blood or buccal sample) from consensual partners should also be obtained and listed on the C-414.

If not possible, indicate the reason on the C-414.

Keep the donor of the sample anonymous on the C-414! 

Crimes Against Persons

Persons

The synopsis should also include information about the number of people (and who) thought to have been bleeding during the occurrence. 

 

Known DNA samples:

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In most cases, it's quite important for known DNA samples from victims/complainants to be included in the first request.

  • Note – requests may be rejected if required known DNA samples are not available.

 

If it is not possible to obtain a dried blood or buccal sample directly from the individual (e.g. consent is refused), alternative comparison samples should be considered. Contact the FAC to discuss the best alternatives.
 

When DNA from an individual unrelated to the offence (witness, police, etc.) may be present on an exhibit, obtain and list a dried blood or buccal sample on the C-414 as an exhibit.
 

Submit items as-is, when possible:

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In cases where bloodletting has occurred, submit items with possible blood as-is to the laboratory whenever possible.

  • This means, after any required fingerprinting is completed, it is recommended that no further processing (swabbing) take place.

  • When in doubt, contact the FAC prior to swabbing items.

 

The selection of exhibits for approval in first submissions vary widely and are based on case particulars, probative value, investigational needs, the number of exhibits and the work effort involved at the laboratory.

  • Additional submissions are often accepted, depending on results and the needs of the investigation.

Non-Violent Property Crime

Property

Submissions for Non-Violent Property Crime such as Break and Enter (B&E Residence, B&E Business, B&E Other, B&E Cottage or Seasonal Residence) and Theft of Motor Vehicle offences have the following strict acceptance criteria and parameters:

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  • The following exhibit types will be accepted:

    • Swab from a visible stain, drinking straw, top of bottle, opening of pop can, etc.

    • Cigarette butt

    • Chewing gum

    • Piece(s) of paper, tissue (e.g. Kleenex) or envelope with a visible stain

    • Only swabs of handled objects thought to belong to the suspect and left behind at the scene

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  •  The following exhibit types will not be accepted:

    • Clothing items and accessories (e.g. balaclava, gloves, ball caps, etc.) and/or swabs of these items

    • Swabs of objects that belong to the complainant and have been handled by the suspect

    • Gauze material including bandages

    • Exhibits collected for “touch” DNA or handled objects

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  • Only one exhibit per case/file will be accepted. If there is reasonable information that more than one suspect was involved in the offence, a maximum of two exhibits may be accepted.

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  • No additional exhibits will be accepted after one round of analysis has been completed, i.e., only one request for service is allowed per case/file regardless of the findings in the forensic report.

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