FY 23/24 DNA Backlog Reduction Program - San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department

The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department - Scientific Investigations Division is part of a unit of local government responsible for analyzing evidential material associated with criminal investigations for local law enforcement agencies within the counties of San Bernardino and Riverside. The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department - Scientific Investigations Division proposes to implement funding from the BJA FY2023 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program with goals to increase the throughput of our DNA laboratory, reduce DNA casework backlog, and reduce DNA case turnaround-time. Objectives include funding a DNA Criminalist position (created and originally funded utilizing the FY2019 DNA CEBR Program and continued funding utilizing the FY2021 DNA CEBR Program) to assist with the analysis of sexual assault kits, overtime and supplies to complete backlogged DNA cases, necessary training of analysts, equipment to assist with sample extractions and cleanup, replacement of aging laptops and monitors used by DNA analysts, and additional software licenses for DNA interpretation software for use in DNA casework. The projected plans will incorporate the most prudent and efficient use of overtime, supplies, training, and other funded categories which will allow us to reach our goals. The Federal funding from this award will assist in providing analysts more time and supplies to work backlogged forensic casework.

SBCSD-SID will analyze at least 287 forensic biology backlogged DNA cases with the assistance of these funds. Expected outcomes include a decreased turnaround-time for DNA casework and a reduced overall backlog at the end of the grant period.