Efficiency Improvements and Capacity Expansion at the Union County Prosecutor's Office Laboratory.

The Union County Prosecutor’s Office Forensic Laboratory is seeking funds to address a backlog of cases for DNA testing in the Forensic Biology section, as well as to increase the capacity of the section for quantitations and amplifications. The laboratory implemented a new LIMS in 2022 and while it is expected to bring long-term improvements in the ability of the laboratory to process cases more efficiently, it has created a short-term increase in the backlog and turnaround times due to training and implementation.

The Laboratory seeks continued funding to support one full-time DNA analyst for analysis, reporting, and review of DNA casework and one laboratory technician to examine sexual assault kits and process samples for Yscreen and DNA analysis. The ability to use these staff members in their current capacity is vital to the success of the project goals. The UCPO Forensic Laboratory is also requesting funding to purchase an additional quantitation instruments and two additional thermal cyclers to increase capacity and increase the efficiency of the new team-based approach to casework. In addition, overtime funds are requested to allow for all staff to dedicate additional time to backlogged cases, as well as funding for additional supplies to process the cases. Funds are also requested for annual maintenance on the LIMS, STRmix, and automated liquid handling systems to ensure that cases can continue to be processed at the same level of efficiency.