The Evidence Souvenir Tax: Why Your DNA Sample Now Costs $49.99, Says Officer Who Also Runs A Gift Shop
PHOENIX — In a development that would make even the most jaded CSI fan pause, police officers at the Phoenix Metro Crime Lab have introduced a revolutionary new revenue stream: charging victims $49.99 to retrieve their DNA samples after they’ve been processed for cold case work.
“This is about fiscal responsibility,” said Officer Martinez, who also runs “Phoenix Crime Scene Souvenirs,” a pop-up gift shop in the hallway adjacent to the evidence locker. “When you give us your DNA, we need to cover the cost of the petri dish, the technician’s lunch, and the emotional toll of hearing you say ‘I’m sorry for the pain my DNA caused.’ That’s $49.99.”