Improve the timeliness and quality of the forensic analysis at the Unified Metropolitan Forensic Crime Laboratory (UMFCL)

The City of Aurora is requesting $200,000 to reduce backlog and improve the timeliness of DNA analysis in the Unified Metropolitan Forensic Crime Laboratory (UMFCL), for which it is a parent agency and fiscal agent. The UMFCL is an accredited regional laboratory that provides DNA analysis and other forensic services for a population of over 1.4 million citizens. The mission of the UMFCL is to provide quality forensic services in a timely and unbiased manner for criminal investigations.  There is currently a backlog of DNA cases in the lab, and cases take longer than necessary to close because of limited staffing for multiple projects, increased caseload and accreditation requirements.  In a small laboratory setting, the DNA scientists are asked to perform multiple tasks while maintaining casework backlog.  The City is requesting grant funds to allow scientists to work overtime on the DNA backlog and casefile reviews, the purchase of consumables for the extra casework, provide funding for needed annual FBI QAS training for staff, additional training aid in the form of a journal subscription, STRmixTM software maintenance contracts, and replace an ailing thermal cycler. The additional funding will allow the lab to achieve the goals of this grant, which are to reduce the DNA backlog, to maintain training for staff and to stay current in DNA technologies.