Washoe County Sheriff's Office of Forensics Science Rapid DNA Instruments

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office, Forensic Science Division (WCSO-FSD) is the agency that is responsible for analyzing forensic evidence associated with criminal investigations for all state and local law enforcement agencies within the northern region of the state of Nevada.  The WCSO-FSD Biology Unit is responsible for overseeing DNA analysis and subsequent upload of DNA profiles from crime scenes and offender samples to the DNA database (CODIS). The WCSO-FSD is establishing a Regional Rapid DNA program, working closely with law enforcement agencies in northern Nevada to accommodate the expeditious processing of good quality DNA evidence within a matter of hours versus months to generate an investigative lead. The utilization of the Rapid instruments will not replace conventional Forensic DNA testing but can be used on samples expected to have sufficient biological evidence to do both.

WCSO-FSD will use grant funds to purchase two Rapid DNA instruments, associated software, chemical supplies, and service contracts. Funds from this grant will also be utilized to create a Rapid Instrument Laboratory space that is accessible by trained rapid users to include personnel from law enforcement agencies. Funds will be used to purchase a refrigerator and temperature monitoring probe; instrument work benches; sample preparation work benches and supplies; computers; printers; and three uninterrupted power supply systems. This grant will upgrade software licenses used in the interpretation of DNA profiles generated by the Rapid instrument