DNA evidence was "not relevant" to forensic police as they examined the burial sites of murder victims Ciara Glennon and Jane Rimmer, the trial of alleged Claremont serial killer Bradley Edwards has been told.

Key points: The prosecution says DNA found on victim Ciara Glennon matches the accused

The prosecution says DNA found on victim Ciara Glennon matches the accused But protective clothing protocols had yet to be established when the killings took place

But protective clothing protocols had yet to be established when the killings took place Forensic practices at the time were limited, an officer said under cross examination

Edwards, 51, a former Telstra technician, has pleaded not guilty to the wilful murders of Ms Rimmer and Ms Glennon, as well as 18-year-old Sarah Spiers.

All three women had been enjoying nights out in the wealthy Perth entertainment district of Claremont in 1996 and 1997 when they vanished.

Ms Spiers's body has never been found, but the bodies of Ms Rimmer and Ms Glennon were found partially covered in vegetation, in bushland south and north of the city respectively.

Under cross-examination from defence counsel Paul Yovich SC, former forensic officer Robert Hemelaar admitted forensic practices in 1996 and 1997 were limited, and protective clothing protocols had yet to be established.

Defence lawyer Paul Yovich arrives for the start of the Claremont serial killings trial. ( ABC News: Hugh Sando )

Officers at crime scenes did not have to wear overalls or other protective gear, although disposable gloves were usually worn.

The gloves were partly to keep officers' hands clean and the issue of contamination "was not a notable issue that had been identified", Mr Hemlaar said.

"DNA was not a factor at that stage," Mr Hemelaar told the court.

Video recordings made by police of the burial sites of the two women were played in court earlier this week, but temporary barriers erected in the court room ensured they were not visible to most of those in the court.

Jane Rimmer and Ciara Glennon were murdered after disappearing from the streets of Claremont in Perth in 1996 1997. ( Fairfax Media )

Mr Hemelaar agreed with Mr Yovich when he said one of the videos depicted him at Ms Rimmer's burial site in Wellard "holding a large paper bag and not wearing gloves", then poking vegetation down into the bag with his bare hands.

He also agreed it was common practice for officers to stuff the disposable latex gloves into their pockets before putting them on.

Former police officer Robert Hemelaar was present at the examination of Ciara Glennon's body after it was found in bushland. ( ABC News: David Weber )

A central plank of the prosecution case is the contention that DNA material found underneath Ms Glennon's fingernails matches that of Edwards.

Mr Hemelaar said the collection of every exhibit was not videoed, nor were the exhibits required to be photographed in situ in 1996 and 1997.

Earlier the court heard there were also time lapses where the video did not record what was happening, including a 15-minute gap at the burial site of Ms Glennon in Eglinton.

Camera operator Michael Teraci said this could have been because he had to change batteries or move the camera into a different position.

Mr Hemelaar also conceded there were discrepancies in the way evidence was recorded, with some exhibits sharing the same exhibit number and items recorded differently on different pieces of paperwork.

The trial, before Justice Stephen Hall, will recommence on Monday.