FY 2023 Formula DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program - Kentucky State Police Forensic Laboratory

The Kentucky State Police Forensic Laboratories (KSPFL) has provided DNA analysis to the Commonwealth of Kentucky since 1989.  During these more than 30 years many technological advances have occurred in DNA analysis.  Along with these technological advances, procedural changes have been implemented within the KSPFL to accommodate the ever-advancing science of DNA analysis.  

First, current evaluations have identified a continued need to purchase reagents utilized in DNA analysis in the casework and database sections. These reagents and kits are utilized for the analyses of extraction, quantification, and amplification.  Included with the first evaluation is a lack of additional analytical time (over time) dedicated to processing cases in the casework section.  Submissions that request DNA analysis are increasing and are being requested in a wider variety of case types.  This trend leads to larger backlogs and longer turnaround times (TAT). 

Second, evaluations have identified that the casework section needs to purchase additional STRMix licenses for data analysis to assist in increasing throughput.  Both casework and database sections need a thermocycler verification probe lease for maintaining the calibration of thermocycler instruments used in processing cases and offender samples. Additionally, to ensure that casework processing is not stalled due to instrumentation breakdowns, a service agreement extension for three Hamilton Autolys instruments is needed.

Third, is the need for the database section to purchase Offender Collection kits.

Finally, is the need for analysts to attend workshops and training to stay abreast of new advances and techniques in the forensic biology field as the topics relate to both casework and database processing.

By providing high throughput procedures, equipment, overtime (OT) hours, reagents, service agreements, instrument lease, software license purchase, offender kits, and training opportunities the KSPFL Casework and Database sections anticipate that the TAT will decrease along with the number of backlogged cases.