Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2022, $1,233,842)
The Kentucky State Police Forensic Laboratories (KSPFL) have continued to provide DNA analysis to the Commonwealth of Kentucky since 1989. During these more than 30 years many technological advances have occurred in DNA analysis. Along with these technological advances, procedural changes have been implemented within the KSPFL to accommodate the ever advancing science of DNA analysis. First, current evaluations have identified a continued need to purchase reagents utilized in DNA analysis in the casework and database sections. These reagents and kits are utilized for the analyses of extraction, quantification, and amplification. Included with the first evaluation is a lack of additional analytical time (overtime) dedicated to processing cases in the casework section. Submissions that request DNA analysis are increasing and are being requested in a wider variety of case types. This trend leads to larger backlogs and longer turnaround times (TAT). Second, evaluations have identified that the database section is in need of replacement thermalcycler instruments to assist in increasing throughput and replace non-functioning instruments as well as an upgrade to GMID-X v. 1.7 DNA analysis software for use as an expert system and to assist with review of Rapidhit data. To ensure that casework processing is not stalled due to instrumentation breakdowns, a service agreement for two Hamilton Autolys instruments is a need. Third, to purchase software to integrate the current LIMS system and update the SAFE Kit tracking portal which will improve the functionality of the Barcoded Evidence Analysis and Statistical Tracking (BEAST) for metrics and real time release of data to victims of sexual assault who access this portal to see the progress in their case (from collection to law enforcement agency to lab to completion of analysis). Finally, is the need for analysts to attend workshops and training to stay abreast of new advances and techniques in the forensic biology field as the topics relate to both casework and database processing.
By providing high throughput procedures, equipment, overtime (OT) hours, reagents, instrumentation, service agreements, software updates, and training opportunities the KSPFL Casework and Database sections anticipate that the TAT will decrease along with the number of backlogged cases.