A Surveillance Technology Impact Report describing a Wet-Vacuum Forensic DNA Collection System, requested by the Police Department

• The Wet-Vacuum is a type of DNA collection device. It is proven to collect forensic evidence when traditional methods (i.e. swabbing, taping, cutting) have failed to render results. It is advantageous in acquiring touch DNA profiles as well as DNA profiles from non-traditional porous materials such as paper, clothing, and even bricks.

This method of collection is much more sensitive than swabbing methods and makes collecting minute amounts of DNA easily feasible. • The Wet-Vacuum is portable to crime scenes and allows for DNA collection from much larger surface areas than traditional collection methods. • The Wet-Vacuum collection method applies a sterile solution to the surface while simultaneously vacuuming up the DNA (touch, saliva, urine, blood, and/or seminal fluid) from the evidence item.

Next, the solution and the DNA material are captured in the attached collection bottle. The collection bottle is filtered and then sent to the laboratory for processing. • This collection method has proved specifically successful in acquiring DNA profiles in sexual assault cases that are often difficult by other evidence collection means. For example, this technology has been successful in obtaining touch DNA from bedsheets where traditional methods have not yielded viable results.

Additionally, revisiting cold cases where DNA was not deemed suitable in the past, could now be tested utilizing this system.

2. What is the purpose of the Surveillance Technology?

• Gathering evidence of violations of any law in criminal, civil, and administrative actions • Identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting criminal offenders • Evidence collection

3. Where will the Surveillance Technology be deployed? When?

• The Wet-Vacuum DNA Collection Device will be used across the city. The anticipated deployment date is spring of 2021.

4. What privacy impact will the Surveillance Technology have?

• This technology is a more efficient and effective means of conducting traditional methods of evidence collection (i.e. swabbing, taping, cutting), which are already legally conducted by the Department on a routine basis. Additionally, this technology is only an evidence collection device, utilized on items that are in lawful police custody or to which the Department has lawful access. It does not process and/or analyze any forensic evidence (i.e., generate or compare DNA profiles). As with traditional methods of evidence collection, any potential forensic evidence is sent to the state laboratory for criminalistics and DNA testing.

5. What are the fiscal costs of the Surveillance Technology, including initial costs, ongoing maintenance and personnel costs, and source of funds?

• Initial costs – $41,000 • Ongoing maintenance – Collection bottles – $1,000 • Personnel costs – Deployment of Crime Scene Services Staff • Source of funds – Department operating budget