S.A.P.S. EVIDENCE COLLECTION KITS – POLICE

This group of Acino Forensic Kits, used by the SAPS Crime Scene Investigators and in some cases by qualified police officers, are specifically produced for the Forensic Unit of the South African Police Services for collection of forensic evidence.

It is important to understand which kits to use and when, unfortunately an investigating officer may only determine which kits are required once a walk through of the crime scene has taken place. Often it is not practical to carry one or two of each kit in your vehicle, so a procedure needs to be put into place that best suits your station or situation. It is important that your station carries stock of these kits that can be accessed when required.

As you may need to use evidence collection kits at some point, it is suggested that you browse through the different kits available so that when required, you will have an idea of what kits are available to assist you with your crime scene investigation.

To collect a DNA sample from a suspect or individual

This DB – DNA Reference Sample Collection Kit is a non-invasive way to collect a DNA sample from an individual. It may be from a suspect of a crime where you need to determine the suspects DNA to compere with DNA found at the crime scene. SAPS is also busy developing a National DNA Database which will store DNA profiles of as many known criminals as possible. This DB Kit must be used to gather a DNA reference sample from anyone who is required to be placed onto the DNA Database. This kit is easy to use, only takes a few minutes to use but should only be used by police members who have undergone the basic DB Training.

To collect blood, semen and/or saliva from a crime scene.

This kit should be used at all crime scenes where you are looking at collecting samples of blood, semen, saliva or Touch DNA evidence from a crime scene.
Commonly used to swab items that may have been touched or come into contact with the perpetrator. The swabbed samples are then analyzed by the crime lab to determine DNA.

 Container and Catch Paper used to collect evidence from a crime scene.

This kit contains a container that is ideal for collecting evidence samples such as cigarette butts, chewing gum, cartridge shells, or any other small item that may contain DNA evidence from the perpetrator from a crime scene. The catch paper is designed to collect small loose items such as loose hairs, fibers or scrapings of dry blood to be analyzed by the crime lab.

A kit used to collect sharp or dangerous weapons from a crime scene

This kit is to be used when collecting sharp and dangerous items such as knives or firearms from a crime scene. This DF kit may only collect one item per kit as a way to avoid destroying or contaminating the evidence on the item.

A kit used to test if a suspect has fired a firearm recently

This kit takes a sample of Gunshot Residue from the hands of a person who is suspected of having fired a firearm. The following analysis will confirm if gun shot residue was found, confirming if the person had in fact fired a firearm. The taking of a Gunshot Residue sample is non invasive and quick to do.

A kit used to collect Animal DNA

This kit is used to take samples of Animal DNA. This kit can take a blood sample found on the scene or around the scene of the animal.  Only Vetinerians may take blood samples from a live animal.  Shavings from Rhino horns, pieces of skin and nails and bones can be collected using this kit.

A kit used to collect Explosive Residue Evidence

This kit is used to collect samples from the scene of an explosive.  Samples can include shrapnel as well as pieces of debris caused by the explosion.  Pieces from the explosive itself can also be collected.