Enhancing DNA Analysis Capabilities in the Colorado Springs Metro Crime Lab

The Colorado Springs Metro Crime Laboratory (MCL) provides forensic science services to law enforcement agencies in El Paso County (Colorado), primarily serving the Colorado Springs Police Department, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, and the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

Continuation funding for personnel costs is requested for two grant funded personnel positions. Continued employment of one full-time DNA Analyst and one part-time Serologist/ DNA Analyst will allow the MCL’s DNA Unit to sustain current capacity. The MCL seeks to increase its current capacity by the hiring of an additional full-time DNA Analyst within the DNA Unit. The addition of this position will increase the work production of the MCL.   

In addition, funding is requested for attendance at the forensic workshop during the grant period (2023 and 2024) for two key personnel from the MCL. The workshops will focus on valuable information related to the elements of a successful project and key issues impacting forensic DNA processing.

The proposed grant request will allow the MCL’s DNA Unit to increase the current capacity to conduct DNA analysis. This request will address the goals of the DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program, which is to help eligible States and units of local government to:

--Increase laboratory capacity, and

--Reduce backlog