Improve the timeliness and quality of the forensic analysis at the Unified Forensic Laboratory.

The City of Aurora is requesting funding to reduce backlog and improve the timeliness of DNA analysis in the Unified Forensic Laboratory (UFL) for which it is a parent agency and fiscal agent. The UFL is an accredited regional laboratory that provides DNA analysis and other forensic services for a population of over 1.4 million citizens in Colorado. Their mission is to provide quality forensic services in a timely and unbiased manner for criminal investigations. Because of a recent reorganization and the loss of two DNA case analysts, there will be a change in duties to include training new hires and current expansion position. This additional training of three new staff members is anticipated to impact turnaround times and increase the UFL backlog. One of the ways to offset the reduction in staffing is to offer overtime to our employees. The city is requesting grant funds to allow scientists to work overtime on the UFL DNA backlog. Funding will also be used for training as required by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Quality Assurance Standards for staff, and to retain STRmixTM software maintenance contracts. The additional funding will allow the lab to achieve the goals of this grant, which are to reduce the DNA backlog, to maintain training for staff, and to stay current in DNA technologies.