APD's Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program (Forensics DNA and the NM DNA Identification System)

The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) serves the City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County in New Mexico. APD proposes to use the Capacity Building and Enhancement Reduction (CEBR) grant funds to increase the capacity of its Forensic DNA Unit and database laboratory, New Mexico DNA Identification System (NMDIS). The ultimate goal of the project is to process more DNA samples and reduce the number of forensic and DNA database samples awaiting analysis through the following objectives:

Providing basic infrastructure support to assist with the processes of DNA analysis;
Building a foundation through a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS);
Providing appropriate training of Forensic DNA Laboratory personnel.

The project deliverables include the hiring of both temporary and grant funded full-time city employees to assist with technical and administrative duties, allowing the DNA Analysts to focus on casework and train new hires. APD also plans to procure materials to conduct the basic process of DNA analysis - extraction, quantitation, amplification and analysis. Additionly, the acquisition of a LIMS module will help automate database management, which will improve the speed offender samples can be processed administratively. Lastly, the grant will support continuing education for personnel to meet mandated continuing education requirements. As a result, DNA analysis will be used to aid investigations in order to identify, convict and exonerate individuals charged with criminal offenses making the City of Albuquerque a safer place to live.