Indoor
Compared to an outdoor scene, evidence at an indoor scene is generally less susceptible to loss,
contamination and deleterious change. Indoor crime scenes are usually easier to secure and protect, and
securing a scene can be as simple as closing a door.
The methods used by forensic laboratories have evolved so that very small amounts of biological material
can produce a usable DNA profile. This, however, means that the potential for detecting DNA traces deposited
by contamination at crime scenes becomes a factor. Contamination of any crime scene can easily occur if proper
precautions such as limiting the number of people inside the scene, are not taken. For example, first responders,
emergency medical personnel, patrol supervisors, crime scene investigators, and medical examiners are all potential
sources of contamination and/or loss of evidence.
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