FY2022 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program - Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Grant Application O-BJA-2022-171344:
PROJECT ABSTRACT:

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is mandated by state statute to provide forensic services (i.e., casework and database) in criminal cases to all eligible agencies in the state of Oklahoma.  The Biology discipline of the OSBI consists of five Forensic Biology Units.  The primary unit responsible for violent crime and property crime cases is located at the Forensic Science Center in Edmond, Oklahoma.  A regional laboratory responsible for violent crime cases is located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.  A Sexual Assault Unit responsible for working sexual assault kits is located at the Forensic Science Center in Edmond, Oklahoma.  A Cold Case Unit responsible for reviewing cases and analyzing evidence from cold cases is located at the Forensic Science Center in Edmond, Oklahoma.  The CODIS unit of the OSBI is located at the Forensic Science Center and is responsible for processing offender samples in accordance with state and federal law. 

The State of Oklahoma continues to be in a budget shortfall, and the OSBI has been directly impacted in the operating budget, which limits the ability to provide quality services in forensic analysis. The funding from this award will assist the OSBI in continuing its mission of providing Biology related forensic services and CODIS database services to agencies in Oklahoma. Without this funding, the agency may face the difficult task of reducing services provided to agencies throughout the state.

The OSBI has the following goals for this award:

1. Reduce and prevent the backlog of DNA cases and offender samples

2. Increase capacity in both casework and database

3. 30 day turnaround time for DNA cases

4. Use Secondary Funding Amount to outsource sexual assault kits to an accredited vendor DNA laboratory

The OSBI seeks to improve casework productivity, decrease the overall turnaround time and backlog of cases, and maintain the productivity of analysis regarding offender DNA samples.  The improvement in casework productivity, decreased turnaround time, and capacity, will be achieved by funding technicians and overtime for personnel.  The increase in database capacity and decrease in turnaround time will be achieved through the funding of a technician, purchase of reagents and supplies, which otherwise would not be purchased due to budget shortfalls and constraints.  Improvement in capacity and turnaround time for both casework and database sections will be achieved through the purchase of DNA equipment, allowing for greater throughput and decreased analysis time.  Improvement in turnaround time will be achieved through the outsourcing of untested sexual assault kits as well as violent crime evidence to an accredited vendor laboratory.