Onondaga County

Only items of evidence attributable to a putative perpetrator may be uploaded to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). The CFS must have information that reasonably links a particular item to a crime.

Please make every effort to describe in the evidence submission comments why you think the evidence is from the crime and was left by the suspect.

For example:

• Home owners do not smoke and there was a cigarette left at a burglary scene.
• A beer can was found in a stolen vehicle and the owner states that is was not there prior.
• Blood stains were collected near broken window / point of entry.

Prioritization of Evidence (Best Probative Value)

Probative Transfer of DNA:

• Blood, semen, saliva left by suspect at scene or on victim
• Blood, semen from victim on suspect’s clothing
• Objects belonging to suspect left at scene
• Body fluids left at scene
  • Blood: points of entry/exit stained tissues, cloths, etc.
  • Saliva: cans/bottles, cigarettes, straws, gum, spit
• Wearer items left at scene
  • Hats, masks, bandanas, glasses, gloves, clothing, shoes thought to belong to perpetrator
• Stolen vehicles
  • Personal items: drink containers, cigarettes (as long as suspected as having been left by the perpetrator and not the victim)
  • Steering wheel, gear shifter
• Sexual Assault Cases
  • Sexual assault kit
  • Condoms or swabs of semen
  • Victim’s clothing if worn during assault or put on directly after assault (should only be submitted if evidence listed above is determined to be negative)
  • Bedding (should only be submitted if evidence listed above is determined to be negative)

Touch – DNA Samples

• Individuals shed differently.
• It is better to submit an object if it is typically used by one individual and believed to have been left by perpetrator.
• Objects that may contain multiple persons’ DNA are NOT usually the best.
• Objects that sometimes work well: lighters, tools, combs, etc.
• It is better to submit the actual object than swab it if possible.