DNA is most commonly collected via a saliva swab and is used for many different purposes in policing. # Definitions **DNA Person** - A person who is above 18 and suspected, charged or summonsed for an indictable offence; or a child above 15 but under 18 who is suspected, charged or summonsed for a **[DNA sample offence (Schedule 9)](http://www7.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/vic/consol_act/ca195882/sch9.html "DNA sample offence (Schedule 9)").** **DNA Profile Sample** - Meaning a blood sample; hair sample (other than pubic hair); a saliva sample; or a scraping taken from the mouth. # Types of Samples **[Section 464SC Crimes Act](http://www8.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/vic/consol_act/ca195882/s464sc.html "Section 464SC Crimes Act")** - **(1)** A police officer may request a DNA person to give a DNA profile sample only if the police officer is satisfied that the taking of the sample if justified in all of the circumstances, and the DNA person:     **(a)** is suspected on reasonable grounds of having **committed** the indictable offence; or     **(b)** has been **charged** with the indictable offence; or     **(c)** has been **summonsed** to answer to a charge for the indictable offence. **(2)** If the person is a **child**; **replace** the above (indictable offence) with a [**DNA sample offence (Schedule 9)**](http://www7.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/vic/consol_act/ca195882/sch9.html "DNA Sample Offence (Schedule 9)"). **(3)** A DNA profile sample may be taken from:     **(a)** A DNA person who is an adult if:         **(i)** the adult gives informed **consent**; or         **(ii)** a senior police officer (Senior Sergeant or above) gives an **authorisation** under section 464SE; or     **(b)** A DNA person who is a child if:         **(i)** the child and a **parent** or **guardian** of the child gives informed **consent**; or         **(ii)** a senior police officer gives an **authorisation** under section 464SE. There are four kinds of Section 464 DNA Sample Types: **Victim Sample** - This is **not** subject to Section 464, you should use item category 'Victim Buccal Swab/Saliva Sample' on PALM. **Voluntary Sample** - This is a Section 464 sample that the DNA Person has given voluntarily. **Suspected/Charged Person Sample** - This is a Section 464 sample that the DNA Person (who is believed to have committed, been charged or summonsed to an indictable offence or DNA sample offence) gave voluntarily. **Convicted Offender** - Do **not** enter this onto PALM; send the swab directly to VPFSC. # Items Subject to Section 464 - Buccal Swab/Saliva Sample - Dental Impression - Dry Blood Sample - Fingernail/Toenail Scrapping/Clipping - Hair-Pubic - Hair Sample - Medical Sample - Medical Slide - Medical Swab - Other Body Swab - Plating-Blood - Ten Print Card - Tissue Sample and Wet Blood Sample # Using the DNA Kit 1. Person DNA Sample Lodgement Form (VP VFSC1) 2. Open the Kit 1. Have the accused take out the mouth swab and swab it on the inside of their mouth. 2. For approx. 10 to 20 seconds. 3. Bend over the long part into the pink part. 4. Slide the cover over it to have it firmly pressed into the pink part. 5. Wait for 20 seconds. 6. Place the barcode over the logo. 7. Place it into the TEAB and seal it. ### Adding the DNA Sample Onto PALM You can refer to [this guide (access it via a Victoria Police Computer)](https://victoriapolice.sharepoint.com/sites/department-forensicservices/Shared%20Documents/149146_QRG--Add-s464-item-v4.1.pdf "QRG PALM") or follow along here. 1. **Seized Property Details ![[DNA_palm_step01.png]] 1. **Date of Seizure:** The date you took the sample 2. **Seizure Type:** Seized Under Common Law 3. **Seizure Comments:** The name and D.O.B. of the accused/suspect 2. **Person Involved Details ![[DNA_palm_step02.png]] 1. Add the accused/suspect as a person involved. 3. **Item Details** ![[DNA_palm_step03.png]] 1. **Category:** Buccal Swab/Saliva Sample 2. **Description:** 1x Buccal Swab from Suspect BLOGGS (D.O.B.) 3. **Tick Subject to s464** 4. **S464 Details - Sample/Person** ![[DNA_palm_step04.png]] 1. **Sample Type:** Forensic Sample 2. **Date Taken:** The date you took the sample 3. **Owner:** The accused/suspect 5. **S464 Details - Event Details** ![[DNA_palm_step05.png]] 1. **Initial s464 Event:** Select the relevant s464 event (most likely Suspect or Charged Person). Read the event descriptions. 2. **How Sample Obtained:** Answer with applicable answer 3. **Offence:** Add applicable offence 4. Click Calculate/Save 6. **Finish the PALM entry.** 1. Print your receipts/labels if required. 2. Click Ok. 3. Add in a LEAP# or Operation Name if applicable. # Updating the DNA Sample Onto PALM Once your matter goes off to court or something changes regarding it, you need to update it to ensure the monitoring, retention or destruction of the item.  You can refer to [this guide (access it via a Victoria Police Computer)](https://victoriapolice.sharepoint.com/sites/department-forensicservices/Shared%20Documents/149147_Updating%20s464%20Event.pdf "QRG PALM") or follow along here. 1. Go into **Property File Management - File Manager** 2. Select **Search Property Files** on the left. 3. Enter the **Property File ID** (or click on Informant and find yourself). 4. Select your Item and go into **Property Items**. 5. Select **Section 464 Details**. 6. Create a **New Event**. 7. **Select New Event.** 8. **Refer to the common pathways below.** 9. Choose your **s464 event**. 10. Add a **Reason**. 11. Click **Calculate**. # Common Pathways for s464 Events in PALM When the person involved is a **suspect,** the following s464 events **may** apply: - 09. Suspect - Matter(s) not proceeded with. - 10. Suspect - Still required. - 11. Suspect - Extension Order granted prior to expiry date. - 12. Suspect - Extension Order application made but not heard prior to expiry date. - 13. Suspect - Extension Order application not made or not granted prior to expiry. When the person involved is **charged,** the following s464 events **may** apply: - 15. Charged Person – Charges proceeded with - 16. Charged Person – Court Date Set/ Suspect now Charged - 18. Charged Person – Warrant issued or outstanding. Adjourned Sine Die - 19. Charged Person – Acquitted / Found Not Guilty (excluding Mental Impairment) - 20. Charged Person – Diversion Program ordered - 25. Guilty before 1st July 2014 – Retention per.s464ZFB not made or granted - 41. Guilty after 1st July 2014 - 42. Not Guilty after 1st of July – By Mental Impairment When a person supplies a sample for **voluntary limited purposes**, the following s464 events **may** apply: - 39. Voluntary Limited Purposes – Donor Restrictions Met - 40. Voluntary Limited/Unlimited Purposes – Donor Requests Destruction When a person supplies a sample for **voluntary unlimited purposes,** the following s464 events **may** apply:  - 40. Voluntary Limited/Unlimited Purposes – Donor Requests Destruction