2023 Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program for the YCSO Forensic Biology Lab

The York County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) requests funding under the FY 2022 DNA Capacity and Backlog Reduction Grant to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science services provided by the Forensic Biology Laboratory as well as decrease the backlog of cases. First, funding from this grant will be used to purchase additional equipment for the lab, upgrade existing outdated equipment in the lab, and purchase software that is needed for the equipment to operate. Second, funds will be used to pay for service contracts for equipment that is used to conduct DNA analysis.  These service contracts will ensure that is maintained and that assistance is readily available should an issue arise, which will decrease the amount of time that DNA analysis is unable to occur due to equipment malfunctions.  Finally, the laboratory will use funds to allow three analysts to attend a conference to satisfy training requirements. All eligible DNA samples generated from this grant will be uploaded to SDIS and NDIS following NDIS guidelines. It is expected that the equipment and processes added to the laboratory from this grant funding will allow the YCSO forensic biology lab to enhance the capabilities of the laboratory and introduce more effective and efficient methods to the lab to better serve our customers.