FY 2023 Formula DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Scientific Services Bureau (LASD-SSB) has continued to provide forensic DNA analysis support to law enforcement agencies within its jurisdiction for nearly three decades.  With the consistent advancements in forensic DNA analysis technologies over the years, so have there been a continued increase in DNA casework service requests.  To better manage this demand, grant funding is essential to reduce turnaround times of case samples for CODIS entry and to reduce casework backlog.  The primary activities of the project include grant funding going towards: 1) personnel overtime for the analysis of forensic DNA casework samples for CODIS entry; 2) training for forensic DNA casework analysts to satisfy the continuing education requirements of the FBI’s Quality Assurance Standards; 3) procure laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and associated computer hardware needed for the forensic DNA laboratory; 4) procure laboratory supplies needed for the analysis of forensic DNA casework samples for inclusion in CODIS; 5) procure computer software needed for the analysis of DNA mixture interpretation profiles.  Through the implementation of these activities funded by the grant, the LASD-SSB anticipates that the expected outcomes of the project include a reduction in casework backlog and turnaround time for casework by 5% by the end of the award period.