2023 Oklahoma Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant Program - Formula

Problem Statement: In Oklahoma, the lack of funds for four forensic laboratories and the Medical Examiner’s Office makes it very difficult to run at peak performance while addressing the ever-changing requirements of science and technology. 

Utilization of Awarded FY 2023 Funds: If awarded, all applicants will have a non-opioid related project and three will have opioid related projects as well. Intended subgrantees are Ardmore Police Department, Tulsa Police Department, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. (The Oklahoma City Police Department is not applying for FY 2023 funds). The awarded funds will be used for supplies to aid processing and documentation of crime scenes, laboratory equipment, training and continuing education for lab technicians, accreditation assessment fees, library documents, and overtime.

Outcomes: Expected outcomes over the course of the grant year include: 1) continued accreditation and lab certification; 2) better trained lab technicians; 3) a larger library of opioid reference material; 4) faster and higher quality identification of tested material; and 5) decreased backlogs and turnaround times.