[Ri22o]

Originally Posted by Metro 40

IMPD is now field testing DNA collection kits for use on handguns which are linked to crimes. Our evidence technicians can use the kit to swab the exterior surfaces of the gun and magazine and collect skin cells which have been deposited by the person(s) who have handled the gun. The amount of DNA which can be collected is often very small, depending on the texture or material of the firearm, particularly the grip and the top of the magazine, where skin cells are likely to shed off due to handling or loading the gun. Even the tiniest sample of DNA (only a few cells) can be amplified scientifically to the point that it is usable for comparison against a known suspect in a gun crime.

Many times, even though an officer witnesses a felon in possession of a firearm, a slick defense attorney can muddy the waters with convoluted arguments about how his client never had a gun. With this new evidence collection technique, it's hard for a defense attorney to argue against the proof of the criminal's DNA on the gun.

Today's jury member expects to see some sort of DNA, fingerprints, or other "hard" evidence in a criminal trial, especially with the popularity of "CSI" type shows on TV. Unlike the fiction on TV, it is rare to be able to obtain a good, usuable fingerprint off of the surface of a firearm. If these DNA collection kits work as they say they do, they are a big step forward in building solid cases against gun criminals. And getting gun criminals off of the street is something that is good for every law-abiding gun owner.

You are missing the point.

DNA and skin cells stick to more than just guns.