Enhancing DNA Analysis Capacity at the Colorado Springs Metro Crime Lab

The Colorado Springs Metro Crime Laboratory (MCL) provides forensic science services to law enforcement agencies in El Paso County (Colorado), primarily serving the Colorado Springs Police Department, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, and the 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office. Continuation funding is requested for two grant funded personnel positions. Continued employment of one full time DNA Analyst and one part time Serologist/DNA Analyst through the end of September 2023, without interruption, will allow the MCL’s DNA Unit to sustain current capacity. To sustain the MCL’s DNA analysis capabilities, the MCL is planning to purchase a Applied Biosystems SeqStudio Genetic Analyzer to replace existing equipment that will soon no longer be supported by the manufacturer. The proposed grant request will allow the MCL’s DNA unit to sustain its current capacity to conduct DNA analysis. This request will address the goals of the DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program, which is to assist eligible States and units of local government to: -- Increase laboratory capacity, and -- Reduce backlog.