FY 23 PUERTO RICO DNA CAPACITY ENHANCEMENT BACKLOG REDUCTION PROGRAM

The PR Institute of Forensic Sciences is an ANAB-ANSI, FBI-, ACGME-, and NAME-accredited, full-service forensic facility that has served the citizens of Puerto Rico since 1985.  It is the only forensic laboratory in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.  It currently counts with four operational divisions: a) Criminalistics, b) Medico-legal Investigations, c) Forensic Investigations (CSI), and d) Drug Screening and Special Substances Detection (DSSSD).  With FY2023 DNA CEBR funding, the Puerto Rico Institute of Forensic Sciences seeks to support the DOJ mission of ensuring fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, by conducting DNA analysis and increasing the capacity to process more DNA samples for entry into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), thus reducing the number of forensic and database DNA samples awaiting analysis reducing backlog.  FY2023 DNA CEBR grant resources will be used to increase the capacity to work cases significantly, thus, reducing turnaround time and reducing the number of samples awaiting analysis for both the casework and database sections.  Retention of three full-time analysts for the screening, processing and analysis of DNA evidence samples, together with the acquisition of much needed supplies, will help the DNA & Serology Laboratory process a minimum of 498 cases more than they would have been able to with regular funding streams, helping reduce backlog and increasing capacity of analysis and processing of casework samples.  Acquiring tablets will help move the laboratory to an electronic and paperless lab.  Funds for the outsourcing of analysis and review of 3,450 database samples will reduce the database backlog by at least 26%.  Funds for the purchase of buccal collector kits and a new CODIS server, backup system and UPS battery will help increase processing capacity of database samples.  Funds requested for the attendance of key grant personnel to the two-day BJA mandatory training, and the attendance of four analysts to conferences, scientific sessions, and workshops for continuing education directly related to the DNA & Serology casework and database operation (i.e. Promega and CODIS), will further improve the laboratory’s scientific knowledge and capacity.