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NYPD's methods for obtaining DNA samples explained

1:58:45

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Deputy Commissioner Michael Gerber outlines the three main ways the NYPD obtains DNA samples: by consent, through abandonment samples, and by court order. He elaborates on the various contexts in which abandonment samples might be collected.

The three methods of DNA collection: consent, abandonment, and court order
Abandonment samples can be collected from crime scenes or items left behind at precincts
Gerber emphasizes the investigative value of DNA evidence in solving crimes

Diana I. Ayala

1:58:45

in Okay.

1:58:46

But do you know how the NYPD goes about obtaining DNA samples?

1:59:03

The abandoned property?

Michael Gerber

1:58:50

I mean, there are various ways we do that.

1:58:54

Sometimes it can be by consent.

1:58:56

Sometimes it can be an abandonment sample.

1:58:58

Sometimes it can be by court order.

1:59:01

Those, I guess, the three ways.

1:59:05

Right.

1:59:05

And abandonment can be a variety of contexts.

1:59:07

It could be sometimes it can be abandoned, frankly at a crime scene, right?

1:59:11

There are times when at a crime scene we'll be able to identify something that has, that may have DNA and then it does have DNA that could be an incredibly valuable investigative tool.

1:59:20

There also could be an abandonment sample where someone is at a precinct and leaves behind DNA in cup for example.

1:59:29

And then that can be used to get potentially a DNA exemplar.

1:59:33

So I would say consent, abandonment, court order.

1:59:36

Those are the three, the three basic categories.

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Debate on ethics and legality of 'abandoned' DNA collection