What does the DNA Unit in a crime lab analyze?

The DNA Unit in a crime lab is specifically focused on analyzing DNA samples collected from crime scenes. This analysis can involve comparing DNA found at the scene, such as blood, hair, or skin cells, to DNA from known individuals or databases to establish connections between suspects and criminal activities.

The examination of DNA is critical in forensic investigations because it can provide conclusive evidence regarding a person's presence at a crime scene, contributing substantially to establishing guilt or innocence. This specialized focus on genetic material is distinct from other types of forensic analysis, such as fingerprints, ballistic evidence, or explosives, which are handled by different units within the crime lab that specialize in those specific forms of evidence.