FY 2023 CEBR Program - Baltimore County, Maryland

Baltimore County is the third largest subdivision in the State of Maryland, and is home to 849,316 citizens (Census Bureau, Quickfacts, July 2022 rev).  The County’s Police Department provides a comprehensive range of law enforcement services to meet the needs of this large and diverse population, including operation of a State designated crime laboratory.

FY 2023 Formula DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program funding is requested to increase the capacity of the forensic crime laboratory to process/analyze more DNA samples, generate increased entries of DNA profiles into CODIS, and generate CODIS matches.  This will decrease delays to the investigative process and decrease the backlog of DNA cases.  The program will increase lab capacity, efficiency, and productivity through short-term direct case analysis activities and long-term capacity enhancement activities.  More broadly, FY 2023 Formula DNA CEBR funding will contribute to enhanced public safety and victim services.

Grant funds will be used for procurement of the following:

Equipment:  1) two thermomixers with blocks for DNA extraction; 2) two thermal printers and printer ribbons to securely label tubes with extracted DNA; and 3) a slide warmer to dry and warm slides for PCR-analysis and extraction of DNA.

Procurement Contracts: 1) annual updates for the lab’s STRmix software; and 2) outsourcing cold homicide and sexual assault cases for STR and forensic genetic genealogy analysis.

Overtime:  Overtime for DNA analysts to review data from outsourced cases and enter profiles into CODIS.

Training/Travel:  Registration/travel/meals/lodging to attend: 1) STRmix on-line training; 2) Promega ISHI 2024 Conference/training; 3) mandatory DNA CEBR forensic workshops; and 4) Technical Leader Summit. 

 Supply Items:  1) latex and nitrile gloves to protect analysts from potential exposure and evidence contamination; 2) filters for the lab’s three water systems to ensure a supply of Type 1 water; and 3) micron filters to concentrate DNA in the extraction process.

Other: Forensic and scientific journal subscriptions to inform research, testimony and validation projects.