Forensic collection device

A device, which can be used with one hand, for collecting a forensic biological and/or chemical sample directly from a surface exposing said sample material comprising:

• (i) a holding element (5) comprising a plug (4) at a first end,
• (ii) a releasing element (6) connected to the holding element (5) and
• (iii) a collection element (1) comprising, on the lateral area of the collection element (1), a collection surface on which said sample is deposited and at least one side surface, wherein the plug extends into the collection element (1) along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the collection element (1), wherein the collection element (1) is attached in a mechanically detachable fashion to the holding element (5), and
• wherein the releasing element (6) is capable of exerting a mechanical force to the side surface of the collection element (1) such that the collection element (1) is detached from the holding element (5),
• wherein the second end of the holding element (5) and the releasing element (6) are connected directly to each other or are connected via a handhold (3), and
• wherein the holding element (5), the releasing element (6) and the handhold (3) are integral.