The Forensic Biology Unit examines biological evidence. The unit identifies the presence of blood, semen, and other body fluids, such as fecal material, saliva, or urine. This type of evidence is collected in cases such as:
- Sexual assaults
- Homicides
- Physical assaults
- Robberies
- Property crimes
Also, examiners collect samples from objects for "trace DNA" tests. Our forensic examiners use their training and experience to determine which samples will be forwarded to the DNA Unit. There, the biological evidence undergoes further analysis.
The Forensic Biology Unit may examine evidence like swabs, bloody weapons, clothing, and bedding. They may also analyze larger, bulkier items.
Pieces of evidence routinely received and screened by the Forensic Biology Unit include ‘CT 100’ Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits. On October 1, 2015, the CT General Assembly enacted Public Act No. 15-207 (An Act Concerning Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases). Per the Public Act, law enforcement has 10 days from the date of collection to submit sexual assault kits to the Division of Scientific Services (DSS). In turn, the DSS has 60 days from the date of collection to test the sexual assault kits.
Efforts have been made to streamline and eliminate redundancy of paperwork, documentation and analyses. The Forensic Biology Unit currently prepares all of the extraction samples for DNA testing. They will also examine submitted hairs in a case. This is to determine if they are human and if they have an attached tissue fragment. Human hairs with tissue are forwarded to DNA for analysis. This ensures that the best forensic samples are being forwarded for DNA testing.