FY22 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant Forensic Science Unit Expansion, Renovation and Equipment Project

Proposal Abstract
The Forensic Science Unit (FSU) of the Washington County, Oregon Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) lacks the ability to screen and photograph clothing and large items of evidence for biological and trace evidence in a comprehensive manner, to conduct concurrent examinations, and to perform examinations in an environment that does not produce physical stress due to poor ergonomics. The need for a laboratory expansion and renovation, in addition to better quality equipment has been recognized. The FSU has a plan to remedy these issues by: 1) construction of a large examination room with a fully equipped examination/photo-documentation station for clothing and large items, including a Crime-Lite ML Pro Rapid Evidence Screening System, 2) develop an ergonomic examination/photo-documentation station for latent print processing and small items, and 3) ergonomic remediation of the existing laboratory workbenches and flooring. The FSU seeks to leverage available space with technology to implement a processing workflow that supports higher quality and more timely evidence examinations. Improving the scope and timeliness of forensic services in Washington County will support successful prosecutions of more crimes, helping make the community safer for citizens.The FSU seeks $134,076 from the FY2022 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program – Competitive (O-BJA-2022-171341) for construction costs, equipment, improvements, and associated product training. These improvements will further support an increase in the quality and timeliness of forensic science services in Washington County while advancing work that promotes civil rights, increases access to justice, supports crime victims, protects the public from crime and evolving threats, builds trust between law enforcement and the community, and addresses opioid and synthetic drug-related challenges.