Santa Fe Forensic Laboratory DNA Analysis

The New Mexico Department of Public Safety (NMDPS) will utilize this funding to support the New Mexico Forensic Laboratory DNA Outsourcing Project. The goal of this initiative is to address the significant backlog of forensic cases at the Santa Fe Forensic Laboratory, which is currently inundated with over 1,000 pending cases related to suspected violent crimes and receives more than 450 new cases annually. By outsourcing these cases to an accredited private forensic laboratory, the NMDPS aims to provide timely DNA analysis to over 300 law enforcement agencies, New Mexico judicial districts, and federal courts that rely on its services. This strategy will allow in-house resources to concentrate on new cases, reduce processing times, and prevent future backlogs. Timely case processing is crucial for meeting New Mexico law’s mandatory deadlines, ensuring speedy trials, enhancing public safety, and delivering justice for its citizens.