DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction

The city of Scottsdale’s most reported crimes are property crimes. To assist in identifying suspects who may be involved in many of the property crimes reported throughout the city, the crime laboratory processes evidence for DNA, which often is successful in identifying a suspect. However, there has been a significant increase in DNA analysis requests due to new Arizona laws and increased evidence collection by detectives when investigating crimes against persons. This has not only stalled the processing of evidence for DNA in property crimes, but has also resulted in a backlog of person crimes samples to be tested. 

Requested grant funds would continue to support a DNA Forensic Scientist who is tasked with processing backlogged DNA cases. In addition, requested grant funds will allow the crime laboratory to fund a Forensic Scientist to perform serological screening of evidence and prepare samples for DNA analysis. The goal of the program is to reduce the backlog and increase the case turn-around time.