Touch DNA Collection Versus Firearm Fingerprinting: Comparing Evidence Production and Identification Outcomes

• NCJ Number: 246088
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 58 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2013 Pages: 601-608
• Author(s): Samuel Nunn, Ph.D.
• Date Published: May 2013
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance); Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

A project by a metropolitan police agency in 2008-2009 had police use touch DNA kits to collect cell samples from seized firearms.

Abstract

To assess outcomes, results of touch DNA swabbing of firearms were compared to fingerprinting firearm evidence. The rationale was that fingerprinting, as the older technology, was the baseline against which to compare touch DNA. But little is known about ways to measure touch DNA productivity compared to fingerprinting. To examine differences between the two requires comparable measurements. Two measures were used: quantity of probative or investigative evidence produced and identification outcomes. When applied to firearms seized within an Indianapolis, IN police district, touch DNA produced a larger volume of evidence than fingerprinting, but identification outcomes for the two methods were equal. Because touch DNA was deployed by police patrol officers, there are implications for firearm forensics and the choice of forensic approaches used by police. Abstract published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.