FY 23 Formula DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program

The Suffolk County Crime Laboratory (SCCL) is a local government agency; part of its mission is to conduct DNA analysis on forensic evidence submitted to the Biological Sciences Section of the Laboratory for the County of Suffolk, New York. The Biological Sciences Section of the SCCL prioritizes the analysis of homicide and sexual assault case evidence. The Bureau of Justice Assistance FY2023 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program (CEBR) is intended to reduce and/or prevent the backlog of forensic DNA samples awaiting analysis from submitted evidence. Additionally, the program is intended to increase the throughput of forensic DNA casework samples; this also increases submissions of CODIS DNA Database samples. The objectives of CEBR are defined in terms of long-term objectives and short-term objectives. SCCL proposes to address long-term objectives by funding new and replacement equipment to be used for the extraction, quantitation, amplification, and storage of forensic DNA casework samples. Updated and additional software for the analysis of forensic DNA samples, including profile analysis and mixture interpretation will also be purchased. The updated and additional software processes, analyzes, and translates information for the development of DNA profiles, thereby generating DNA profiles that may be entered into the CODIS DNA Database. The short-term objectives will be achieved by continuing to fund the employment of two contract employees. The employees will assist in the screening of the Sexual Offense Evidence Collection Kits as well as the backlogged biological evidence from criminal investigations, including homicides and property crimes. The contract employees prepare samples for analysis and have a positive impact on the reduction of backlog cases. The samples processed by the contract employees undergo DNA analysis and the resulting DNA profiles will be entered into the CODIS DNA Database. In addition, funding will be utilized to purchase commercially prepared supplies for the analysis of DNA samples, including but not limited to extraction and amplification of forensic samples.