Guam FY 2022 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program

The primary scope of this proposal is to improve the quality and timeliness in the collection, processing and analysis of forensic DNA evidence within the Guam Forensic Science Division DNA Laboratory. The objective is to equip the DNA Laboraotry with required equipment, instrumentation and forensic supplies compliant with national standards to collect, process and anlyze DNA evidence. To accomplish this objective, the Guam Police Department Forensic Science Laboratory will: 1) coordinate with the Department of Administration to ensure that the DNA Laboratory is staffed with qualified Criminalist knowledgeable in DNA testing; 2) implement the required equipment and instrumentation compliant with national standards; 3) ensure that personnel are trained and capable of conducting DNA testing compliant with national standards; and 4) foster compatibility and cooperation among forensic laboratories within and between States and Territories that are seeking to match and exchange DNA identification records for law enforcement purposes through the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Meeting the scope and objectives of this proposal will increase the Forensic Science Division DNA Laboratory’s ability in the collection, processing and analysis of current and backlog forensic cases. The program evaluation criteria will consist of the successful implementation of the equipment, instrumentation and forensic supplies for the Forensic Science Division DNA Laboratory. The program outcomes and effectiveness of the project will be based on the efficiencies that the Forensic Science Division DNA Laboratory will experience through the timely analysis of DNA samples, forensic quality of processed case evidence, timely placement into a DNA database, maintain reduction of backlog forensic DNA cases processed and improved crime laboratory capacity.