DNA KIT INSTRUCTIONS

Provided by the Bountiful Police Department

DNA may be useful to identify missing children when they are located. DNA is not of any value to the Police, the Media, or the Public when they are looking for a missing child. Current, candid photographs are necessary when a child is missing. Photographs should depict children as they appear on a daily basis. Photograph them often to document changes in their appearance.

DNA SAMPLES:

•  PRIOR TO COLLECTING ANY SAMPLES, WASH YOUR HANDS.

•  DO NOT SEAL ANYTHING IN THE KIT WITH SALIVA.

•  ANY CELL CAN PROVIDE A DNA SAMPLE.

SALIVA

1. Have the child rinse his/her mouth out with water.

2. With a clean cotton swab, swab inside the cheek and around gums.

3. Place the cotton swab on an index card, and secure with tape.

4. Allow to thoroughly dry in a clean environment.

5. Place the card with the swab into a small envelope which has been labeled.

BLOOD

1. When a child has been cut, saturate a cotton swab with their blood.

2. A bandage that has been stained with blood may be another option.

3. Allow blood to completely dry on an index card.

4. Attach to the index card with tape.

5. Place the card with the sample into a small labeled envelope.

HAIR

1. Obtain a few strands of hair with the root attached.

2. Wrap the hair in a tissue.

3. Place the tissue into a small envelope which has been labeled.

Place all three envelopes into a larger envelope that has been labeled with the child = s name, date of birth, date the samples were obtained. Place the large envelope in the freezer for optimum results. It may also be stored in a cool, dry environment. DO NOT STORE THEM IN PLASTIC!

INFORMATION FILE

Maintain information including current height, weight, scars, marks, and other identification information which may be useful to identify your child. Keep current photographs with the identification information. The file may be necessary to provide to the police if a child is missing. Time is of the essence when such a report is made.

For further information contact:

Bountiful Police Department

Cpl. Jon Hadlow