DNA Testing

[chamois]

I know someone who stole a watch worth around �20 from their employer. The watch was in a display box made of card with a cellophane type window.
The employer is almost certain about the identity of the thief and she's suspected of having a criminal record prior to her employment.

The employer has retained the packaging involved and has made it known to all employees that they intend to get it tested for fingerprints and DNA. The intention is that the thief will own up before the employer considers prosecution.
I'm curious about a few aspects of this scenario.

Is it really viable for someone other than the police to get something examined for fingerprints and DNA given that the item cost �20?

Could the employer force the employee to provide fingerprint/DNA samples to get them compared to the ones on the packaging by an independent laboratory?

Can DNA/fingerprints be traced to a person without the involvement of the police? I thought the databases concerned were only accessible via the police.

Could the employer have the package examined by an independent forensic service and present the fingerprints/DNA to the police with a view to them having to reveal who they belonged too?

Thanks.

[chamois]

I should have perhaps added that the employer is a retailer selling the watches in question. At the time, the watch was one of thirty that had been recently delivered to the store.

[Twenty20]

Finding the person (or any person's) DNA on the packaging doesnt mean they stole the item. It just means they have come into contact with the package.

[another-view]

If it were possible (which it isn't), it would certainly be worth doing. A �20 watch this time leads to a �200 necklace next time. Kick out the thief at the start.