FY23 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) - Formula

Proposal Abstract

The New Jersey State Police (NJSP) Office of Forensic Sciences (OFS) serves over nine million residents in the State of New Jersey and is comprised of four Regional Forensic Laboratories and the DNA Laboratory. The DNA Casework Unit analyzes biological evidence for the presence of DNA. Profiles generated from evidentiary items can then be directly compared to the profile of a reference sample to determine whether that person could have contributed that DNA.  In addition, eligible DNA profiles from evidentiary items can be searched in the CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) database to generate potential investigative leads.   

Funding from the FY23 DNA CEBR grant will be used to run an overtime program that will give the DNA Laboratory the additional time to perform analysis on approximately 500 cases from its backlog and upload the resultant DNA profiles generated into CODIS. This will enable analysts to work current casework and validations during the normal course of the day while maintaining delivery of timely DNA results without interruption.

The DNA Laboratory strives to stay at the forefront of emerging technologies. One of the goals of the lab is to improve scientific excellence. The lab will achieve this goal by implementing the best available technologies in the analysis of forensic DNA evidence. In keeping with this fundamental goal, the lab plans to utilize grant funding to stay ahead of the changing landscape of forensic DNA analysis. The enhanced capability of the lab to analyze DNA evidence more efficiently will result in an increase in the capacity of the lab to process more cases. This will be achieved through purchases of equipment and supplies that will aid the lab in its daily operations, allow it to process more challenging samples, and enable much-needed replacement of aging equipment.  

Funding will allow DNA analysts and the DNA Laboratory Director to attend discipline-related conferences during the grant performance period. On-site training will also be scheduled to ensure that all analysts meet continuing education requirements. In addition, funding will allow the Grant Manager and other key personnel to attend training specifically related to the administration of this grant. 

With the aid of funding from the FY23 DNA CEBR grant program, forensic services offered by the DNA Laboratory to the law enforcement community and the citizens of New Jersey will be greatly improved and will help bring justice to those who commit crime.