Art. 63.059 PROTOCOL FOR OBTAINING SAMPLES RELATING TO HIGH-RISK MISSING PERSONS

When someone is reported as a high-risk missing person, police need to collect DNA samples to help with the search and possible identification. This rule explains how that DNA collection process works.

Law enforcement agencies must collect DNA samples from parents or other appropriate family members using the method set up by the center that oversees these cases. The agency does not get to choose its own method. It has to follow the specific instructions given by the center.

The center is also responsible for creating a standard DNA collection kit. This kit gives police a consistent, ready-to-use tool for gathering samples correctly. Having one standard kit helps make sure DNA is collected the same way every time, no matter which police department is handling the case. This consistency can matter later if the DNA is used to help identify a missing person.