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EVIDENCE
COLLECTION FROM A SUSPECTED PERPETRATOR |
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There may be instances where law enforcement needs
forensic evidence collected from a suspected assailant.
The officer may obtain a search warrant and provide it to
the medical personnel collecting the evidence or the
suspect may consent to the evidence collection without a
search warrant. |
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The principles of evidence collection and handling are the
same for suspects as they are for victims. The Sexual
Assault Evidence Collection Kit used for victims is also
used for suspects. The search warrant will state exactly
what samples are to be collected. The items specifically
stated on the search warrant are the only samples that can
be obtained. If the suspect agrees to an exam without a
search warrant, the officer will tell the examiner what
evidence he or she is looking for, such as head or pubic
hair, blood, penile swabs, etc. |
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It is advised that the attending medical personnel
performing the exam of the perpetrator not be the same as
those who performed the victim exam related to that case.
This would help eliminate the need to prove there was no
cross-transfer of evidence or evidence contamination from
the examiner. |
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Medical personnel may be uncomfortable being alone in an
exam room with the suspect. It is appropriate to have an
officer accompany medical personnel during the exam. |
