Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program

The Forensic Biology Unit (FBU) of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) Crime Laboratory proposes to implement the BJA FY24 Formula DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program. The FBU is responsible for analyzing evidentiary material associated with criminal investigations for over 28 local municipalities, the school system, and local federal agencies as needed. As the primary agency conducting DNA analysis for Palm Beach County, it is of the utmost importance that the FBU provide efficient and timely processing of all requested evidence. The citizens of Palm Beach County have been and will continue to be provided with fully validated technologies and methodologies in forensic DNA analysis in order to produce the highest quality casework and prevent DNA backlog growth. As a result of funding from this grant, the PBSO FBU expects to continue its quest to increase analysis efficiencies, reduce turnaround times, and upload profiles to Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).

The purpose of this proposal is to increase the FBU’s capacity to analyze forensic samples for CODIS entry as well as to increase the number of CODIS eligible samples analyzed. Project activities include maintaining two full-time grant-funded Forensic Scientists responsible for analyzing casework evidence as well as executing a contract for a trained intern to complete a laboratory directed project. Funds would also be used to purchase equipment that would increase the ability to process bone samples. Lastly, funds would support the continuing education of staff as required by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Quality Assurance Standards. Expected outcomes include an increase in the FBU’s capacity to analyze forensic samples as well as the addition of validated technologies/methodologies that support the FBU’s mission to provide the highest quality casework to its customers.