DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program

The Jefferson County Regional Crime Laboratory (JCRCL) is the agency responsible for analyzing evidence from criminal investigations in Jefferson County, Lakewood, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Golden, and other municipalities within Jefferson County Colorado.  The Forensic Biology section of the JCRCL is responsible for conducting serological examinations and DNA analysis on evidence collected from crime scenes from jurisdictions within Jefferson County.

The JCRCL has faced budget shortfalls while continually facing an increase in DNA case submissions.  Monies awarded in prior years have allowed the JCRCL to drastically reduce the number of backlogged cases and substantially decrease the turnaround time for the completion of DNA cases.  The federal funding from this award will allow the JCRCL Forensic Biology section a way to continue to reduce the number of backlogged cases and to reduce the turnaround time for completion of DNA cases.  Additionally, this award will allow the JCRCL to add a new “Direct to DNA” procedure.  Once validated, this new procedure will allow for more efficient DNA processing and a reduction in the number of samples processed for extraction and quantification.  This award will specifically be used toward reaching the following goals:

Reduce the number of backlogged forensic biology cases.
Reduce the turnaround time for completion of forensic biology cases.
Validate a new “Direct to DNA” procedure and implement into casework.
Provide all DNA analysts with required continuing education.

The Forensic Biology section of the JCRCL hopes to decrease the turnaround time for completion of cases to 45 days or less, reduce the number of backlogged cases (100 cases > 30 days old), , and validate/implement a new “Direct to DNA” procedure with funds from this award.