Michigan CEBR

The Michigan State Police requests FY 2023 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog (CEBR) Program Funding to assist the Forensic Science Division (FSD) in reducing the statewide backlog of DNA casework awaiting analysis and to increase the capacity of its DNA and Database laboratories.
 
The Michigan State Police Forensic Science Division (MSP FSD) receives approximately 10,000 requests for forensic biological analysis annually, including sexual assault evidence analyses which are dictated by all-sexual-assault processing legislation. The MSP FSD is challenged to meet these demands, despite the size of its biology staff, due to loss of personnel and the necessary length and rigor of training programs. Approximately one-third of biology staff were full-time trainees in the 2021 and 2022 calendar years, with fully trained staff utilized for demonstration and instruction.
 
In combination with biology staff turnover and training, the replacement of aging software and instrumentation and has created a backlog of validation projects. Updates to software and instrumentation naturally lend efficiencies to the process, but with a system burdened by the training of such a large group of analysts simultaneously, previously trained and competent staff members are already overextended. Further, aging software and instrumentation associated with methods which must be maintained for the ongoing operation of the laboratory have taken priority over the adoption of new methods that could expand the services offered by MSP FSD. The efficient analysis and scientific identification of DNA casework analysis is critical to keeping cases moving through the criminal justice system and benefits the health and safety of all Michigan residents.

The requested funding will be used to: (1) continue payroll support for laboratory personnel; (2) provide limited overtime for backlog reduction; (3) provide continuing education to DNA personnel; (4) Purchase 6 Compound Microscopes; (5) Purchase 40 handheld Pipettors; (6) Purchase FASTr software; (7) Purchase DBLR software; (8) Hire 2 new Research and Validation Unit positions (RVU); (9) Purchase 10 workstations and computers for the FASTR, DBLR, and STRmix 2.9 software; (10) STACs customizations. 

DNA analysis conducted under this program will be maintained pursuant to all applicable federal privacy requirements. All eligible profiles obtained with funding from this program will be entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) and uploaded to the National DNA Index System (NDIS), when applicable.