DNA Projects addressed Community Policing Forum (CPF) patrollers about crime-scene management and the importance of DNA on a crime scene recently.
The talk was held at the West Rand District Municipality offices. Sharing his knowledge was David Swanepoel, a human identification specialist and DNA Projects trainer.
He explained that DNA Projects is a registered non-profit, public benefit organisation that recognises the critical importance of DNA evidence in solving crime. This organisation also is lobbying support for the expansion of the National DNA Database in South Africa to include the identity of criminal offenders all over South Africa.
The most important aspect discussed was what to do and what not to do when you are the first person on a crime scene.
David named the following points:
• Nothing should be touched, unless it is absolutely necessary.
• Note the type of crime committed, anything unusual that may have been left at the scene, as well as the identity and actions of people already on the crime scene.
• Provide assistance by requesting witnesses to wait for an investigating officer near the crime scene.
• DNA evidence can become contaminated easily.
• Prevent unnecessary access to the crime scene.
• The crime scene may contain valuable evidence and the less people entering the crime scene, the greater the chance of finding DNA and other forensic evidence.
Sources of DNA are hair, teeth, saliva, blood, semen, skin cells, sweat and bones,” David pointed out.
Nattilly van der Westhuizen and William Knight from the Sector 4 CPF said this presentation was very informative as they often are the first people on crime scenes. It is a known fact that many criminals get away with crimes because of the crime scene being contaminated.
Residents should also take note of these important points in the event of their stumbling upon a crime scene.
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Also read:
National crime stats revealed (2014)
Randfontein crime stats revealed (2014)
Westonaria crime stats revealed (2014)
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