FY21 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant

FY2021 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Program Formula Grant Project Abstract  The Georgia Bureau of Investigation - Division of Forensic Sciences (DOFS) intends to utilize FY2021 Paul Coverdell Formula Funds to improve the timeliness of the analysis evidence and to reduce the existing backlog of unworked cases.  Timely analysis of evidence in criminal cases will assist the Georgia Criminal Justice system in the prosecution of criminal cases as well as provide information to exonerate the innocent.  The requests for the analysis of evidence in criminal cases is greater than the current capacity of the laboratory to provide services.  It is the intent of this project to decrease the backlog of unworked cases and to improve turnaround times by paying existing crime lab scientists to work additional hours (overtime) and to send suspected opioid and synthetic drug cases to a private laboratory for analysis.  It is anticipated that approximately 400 suspected opioid drug cases will be worked at a private laboratory, and another 1840 can be worked in-house on overtime.  Additionally, it is anticipated that 2200 non-drug cases will be worked using overtime funds (Biology, Impressions, Firearms, Fire Debris, Trace Evidence, and Toxicology).