FY 2022 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program

PROJECT ABSTRACT

SUFFOLK COUNTY CRIME LABORATORY

APPICATION GRANT  13617613

The Suffolk County Crime Laboratory (SCCL) is a local government agency; part of its mission is to conduct DNA analysis on forensic evidence submitted for the County of Suffolk, New York.  The Bureau of Justice Assistance FY2022 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program (CEBR) is intended to reduce and /or prevent the backlog of forensic DNA samples awaiting analysis from submitted evidence.  Additionally, the program is intended to increase the throughput of forensic DNA casework samples; this also increases submissions of CODIS DNA Database samples.  The objectives of CEBR are defined in terms of long-term objectives and short-term objectives.  SCCL proposes to address long-term objectives by funding new and replacement equipment to be used for the extraction, quantitation and amplification of forensic DNA casework samples.  Updated and additional software for the analysis of forensic DNA samples will also be purchased.  The updated and additional software processes, analyzes, and translates information for the development of DNA profiles, thereby generating DNA profiles that may be entered into the CODIS DNA Database.  Finally, training of the Technical Leader and CODIS Alternate Administrator at the annual CODIS conference will allow SCCL’s Biological Sciences Section to evaluate forensic DNA samples for entry and uploading into the CODIS Database.  The short-term objectives will be achieved by continuing to fund the employment of two contract employees.  The employees will assist in the screening of the mandated “test all” Sexual Offense Evidence Collection Kits as well as the backlogged biological evidence from criminal investigations, including property crimes.  The contract employees prepare samples for analysis and have a positive impact on the reduction of backlog cases.  The samples processed by the contract employees undergo DNA analysis and the resulting DNA profiles will be entered into the CODIS DNA Database. In addition, funding will be utilized to purchase commercially prepared supplies for the analysis of DNA samples, including but not limited to amplification of forensic samples.