Evidence collection device and method

Abstract

An evidence collection device comprises a housing 10 having a closable lid 22, at least part of the housing 10 being defined by a strainer member 14 adapted to allow water entering the housing 10 to escape therefrom through the strainer member 14, but to collect, and retain within the housing 10, particulate matter carried by the water. A method of collecting evidence using the device is also described.

1 . An evidence collection device comprising a housing having a closable lid, at least part of the housing being defined by a strainer member adapted to allow water entering the housing to escape therefrom through the strainer member, but to collect, and retain within the housing, particulate matter carried by the water.  
     
     
         2 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the strainer member includes a plurality of openings, the openings being sufficiently small to ensure that human cells are retained within the housing.  
     
     
         3 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  or  claim 2 , wherein the openings of the strainer member are of a uniform size.  
     
     
         4 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  or  claim 2 , wherein the openings are of non-uniform size.  
     
     
         5 . A device as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the openings in a central part of the strainer member are of smaller dimensions than those located towards the edges of the strainer member.  
     
     
         6 . A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing is of dimensions to allow it to be received within the outlet of a bath, shower or wash basin.  
     
     
         7 . A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid of the housing is securable in position on the remainder of the housing by screw threads.  
     
     
         8 . A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a liner having an outlet, the housing being secured to the liner at the outlet thereof.  
     
     
         9 . A device as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the liner is closable.  
     
     
         10 . A method of collecting evidence comprising locating an evidence collection device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims within the outlet of a bath, shower or wash basin, allowing the individual from whom evidence is to be collected to bath, shower or wash, allowing water to escape from the bath, shower or basin, the water entering the housing and passing through the strainer member, particulate matter carried into the housing being unable to pass through the strainer member and being retained within the housing, and closing the lid to trap the collected matter within the housing.  
     
     
         11 . A method as claimed in  claim 10 , further comprising a step of wiping the bath, shower or basin using a cloth or wipe of known DNA content to collect any matter adhering thereto.  
     
     
         12 . An evidence collection device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.