2023 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Formula Grant

Appointed by the Governor of the State of Washington, the Washington State Forensic Investigations Council (FIC) has the statutory authority to oversee the operations of the Washington State Patrol Forensic Laboratory Services Bureau, and to improve the quality of death investigation through training and the development of policies and procedures. The designated State Administering Agency for the Paul Coverdell Grant Program is the Washington State Patrol (WSP). Working in partnership with WSP, the FIC solicits, and screens grant proposals from eligible agencies resulting in recommendations for funding given to WSP. 

The Council requests funding from the 2023 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program for the following high priority projects designed to develop and enhance the professional standards of practice for forensic analysis and death investigation: 

Project 1: King County Medical Examiner - Support statewide fatal drug overdose surveillance network, (opioid).

Project 2: Kitsap County Medical Examiner - Purchase one year of disposable supplies for the Randox MultiStat and a camera, (opioid)

Project 3: Benton County Coroner - Purchase X-RAY machine, (non-opioid)

Project 4: Cowlitz County Coroner - Purchase 1 gurney for vehicles, (non-opioid) 

Project 5: Pierce County Medical Examiner - Procure contract to outsource postmortem Toxicology testing to private laboratory, (opioid) 

Project 6: Snohomish County Medical Examiner - Purchase non-racking system and backup X-RAY machine, (non-opioid)

Project 7: Stevens County Coroner - Seek accreditation (fees and equipment/supplies upgrades) to improve quality of services, (non-opioid)

Project 8: Washington State Patrol Missing Persons and Unidentified Persons Unit (MUPU) - Fund training and consultant services to support backlog reduction, (non-opioid)

Project 9: Washington State Patrol Toxicology Laboratory  - Outsource evidence kits to Coroners and Medical Examiners across Washington, (opioid)

These projects will improve the practice of forensic science in Washington by: improving the quality and timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner services, including those services provided by laboratories operated by the WSP and those operated by units of local government within Washington, as well as eliminating a backlog in the analysis of forensic science evidence.

These projects will improve the practice of forensic science in Washington by: improving the quality and timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner services, including those services provided by laboratories operated by the WSP and those operated by units of local government within Washington, as well as eliminating a backlog in the analysis of forensic science evidence.