Increasing capacity in the DNA Section of the Columbus Police Crime Laboratory in an effort to reduce the backlog of pending cases

The Columbus Police Crime Laboratory has a current authorized strength of eight casework analysts and one DNA Technical Leader/CODIS Manager.  In recent years, we have consistently reduced our backlog of cases awaiting analysis.  However, in 2020 the coronavirus pandemic, coupled with the resignation of one analyst and the DNA Technical Leader, created an increased backlog of cases.  Our case submissions have remained fairly constant.  In the upcoming years, we plan to increase our capacity by adding additional instrumentation, equipment, software, and personnel to reduce the current DNA case backlog.

Federal funding from this award will be used for the following goals/objectives:

Purchase additional instrumentation to increase sample capacity.
Purchase additional equipment to streamline screening of evidence items for possible semen.
Reduce/prevent a DNA case backlog by purchasing supplies necessary to process case submissions.
Provide training to analysts on current and emerging technologies in DNA analysis to help generate ideas for new methods or procedures that can be used to increase efficiency in the laboratory.

This project will serve the citizens of the City of Columbus to increase capacity, thereby reducing the number of DNA samples awaiting analysis and reducing the backlog of DNA samples.