FBI Handbook of Crime Scene Forensics Read Online Free Page A

as references.
The DNAUI does not conduct low-copynumber (LCN) or “touch DNA” examinations (i.e., DNA from fingerprints, pieces of paper, handled objects, etc.). Items such as steering wheels and firearms may be appropriate for analysis.
The DNAUI does not perform kinship analysis. Questions concerning kinship, paternity/ maternity comparisons, etc., should be directed to the DNAUI at 703-632-8446 .
    As necessary:
DNAUI cases may be prioritized according to scheduled trial dates or other case-specific information.
The DNAUI does not examine evidence from property crime cases unless violence that results in bodily harm is used in the commission of the crime.
For cases in which the FBI Laboratory has conducted previous DNA or serological testing, a review of the case file will be conducted to determine if additional examinations will be conducted.
    Case Acceptance Policy of the DNA Analysis Unit II
    All FBI cases that meet the suitability guidelines (outlined below) will be considered for mtDNA analysis in the DNAUII. Cases involving terrorism are given highest priority, followed by counterintelligence matters and violent crimes. Questions regarding case and evidence suitability should be directed to the DNAUII at 703-632-7572 .
    State and local law enforcement agencies needing mtDNA analysis must contact the DNAUII for more information regarding evidence submission. Agencies may call 703-632-7572 to discuss the needs of the investigation and the evidence, following the suitability guidelines outlined below. Analysis of the evidence will be performed by one of the unit’s regional mtDNA laboratories and is cost-free to state and local law enforcement agencies in the United States and its territories. Travel expenses for examiners testifying in state and local cases are also paid by the FBI Laboratory. FBI entities may refer to the FBI Laboratory/DNAUII web page on the FBI intranet for additional information on the regional mtDNA laboratories.
    Missing-person cases involving unidentified human remains and relatives of missing persons are managed and entered into the NDIS in the DNAUII by members of the NMPDD Program. Evidence from these investigations also undergoes mtDNA analysis in the DNAUII or in one of the regional mtDNA laboratories. Contact the NMPDD Program Manager at 703-632-7582 for questions regarding missing-person evidence submission. FBI entities may refer to the FBI Laboratory/DNAUII web page on the FBI intranet for additional information on the NMPDD Program.
    Suitability of Mitochondrial DNA Analysis
    Mitochondrial DNA analysis has been applied successfully to evidence from violent crimes, typically homicide, sexual assault, and assault. It is important to remember, however, that mtDNA analysis is appropriate in only a small portion of cases where mtDNA evidence is present.
    Experience shows that about 75 percent of cases in which mtDNA analysis is actually performed involve hair evidence where only the hair shaft is present. Most often, mtDNA analysis is justified for hair evidence when no tissue is present on the hair root. Mitochondrial DNA analysis in missing-person cases is appropriate only when bone or teeth specimens can be verified as of human origin.
    To avoid the misapplication of mtDNA analysis resources, cases must be reviewed carefully for their scenarios, the possibility of other tests on available evidence (e.g., nDNA), and the selection of specimens having the greatest probative value.
    Regardless of the type of biological evidence, mtDNA analysis generally will not be performed when nDNA results exist on items of similar origin. For example, if nDNA results are obtained from semen identified on a victim’s vaginal swabs and there is no allegation of multiple assailants, mtDNA analysis would not be performed on an associated pubic hair found in the pubic-hair combings of the victim.
    Current forensic mtDNA techniques cannot effectively distinguish between sources or relative quantities of