Improve the timeliness and quality of the forensic analysis at the Unified Metropolitan Forensic Crime Laboratory (UMFCL)

The City of Aurora is requesting $208,000 to reduce backlog and improve the timeliness of DNA analysis in the Unified Metropolitan Forensic Crime Laboratory (UMFCL), for which it is a parent agency and fiscal agent. The UMFCL is an accredited regional laboratory that provides DNA analysis and other forensic services for a population of over one million citizens. The mission of the UMFCL is to provide quality forensic services in a timely and unbiased manner for criminal investigations.  

There is currently a backlog of DNA cases in the lab due to limited staffing for multiple projects, caseloads, and validations.  In a small laboratory setting the DNA scientists are tasked with numerous workloads while maintaining casework backlog. Therefore, the City is requesting grant funds for scientists to work overtime on the DNA backlog, the purchase of consumables for the extra casework, necessary annual FBI QAS training for staff, and additional training aid in the form of a journal subscription. The additional funding will allow the lab to achieve the goals of this grant, which are to reduce the DNA backlog, to maintain training for staff, and to stay current in DNA technologies.