FY23 Formula DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Grant

The Jefferson County Regional Crime Laboratory (JCRCL) is the agency responsible for analyzing evidence from criminal investigations in Jefferson County, Lakewood, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Golden, and other municipalities within Jefferson County Colorado. The Forensic Biology section of the JCRCL is responsible for conducting serological examinations and DNA analysis on evidence collected from crime scenes from jurisdictions within Jefferson County. The JCRCL has faced budget shortfalls while continually facing an increase in DNA case submissions. Monies awarded in prior years have allowed the JCRCL to drastically reduce the number of backlogged cases and substantially decrease the turnaround time for the completion of DNA cases. The federal funding from this award will allow the JCRCL Forensic Biology section a way to continue to reduce the number of backlogged cases and to reduce the turnaround time for completion of DNA cases. This award will specifically be used toward reaching the following goals:

1.Reduce the number of backlogged forensic biology cases.
2.Reduce the turnaround time for completion of forensic biology cases.
3.Provide all DNA analysts with required continuing education.
4.Provide funding so two members can attend the mandatory two-day forensic workshop for grant recipients in Washington DC. in 2024.

The Forensic Biology section of the JCRCL hopes to decrease the turnaround time for completion of cases to 45 days or less (currently it is 59 days) and reduce the number of backlogged cases with a target of no more than 100 cases that are greater than 30 days old with funds from this award.