DNA Backlog Reduction and Capacity Enhancement Project

The Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency (I-MCFSA) is a local government organization that delivers comprehensive forensic laboratory services to the Indianapolis, Marion County, state, and federal criminal justice systems. Their mission is to provide timely, accurate, and high-quality forensic analysis in response to requests from public safety agencies within the Criminal Justice System. The I-MCFSA conducts scientific examinations of physical evidence related to crimes occurring in the city of Indianapolis and Marion County. Additionally, the laboratory collaborates with federal investigations in other Indiana counties through joint investigation task forces originating in Marion County. When called upon, the I-MCFSA also provides expert testimony in these specialized areas.

The I-MCFSA agency operates a local, full-service, International Organization of Standardization 17025-accredited forensic science laboratory within Marion County and the city of Indianapolis. This laboratory is also accredited under the American National Standards Institute National Accreditation Board program. The accreditation process involved a comprehensive assessment that scrutinized every aspect of the laboratory’s operation, including the Crime Scene Unit. The review encompassed management practices, evidence handling procedures, and laboratory security protocols.

The continued effort to eliminate the increase in violent crime, which remains high, includes the I-MCFSA as an integral partner within the various criminal justice and public safety agencies of the city and county. Reduction in violent crime continues to be an issue that Marion County and Indianapolis government entities have attempted to address over the past several years, with 2024 being no different. The laboratory continues to pursue the goal of reducing the amount of time between submissions for requests of analysis through case completion to a maximum of six weeks in all forensic disciplines which, in turn, assists with the timely investigation and prosecution of violent criminals.

The I-MCFSA met requirements, from local government, to keep budget increases to a minimum over the last few years, with slight increases in recent years to accommodate the city county wide increase in wages. The laboratory is hopeful to receive a slight overall increase in the local 2024 budget. However, areas such as overtime, outsourcing, training costs, supplies, equipment, and other services still require additional funding. These ongoing budgetary challenges directly affect the timely analysis of forensic evidence and will assist with the backlog reduction.

The objective of this proposal is to enhance the quality and efficiency of forensic science services. To achieve this, resources will be allocated for laboratory overtime, supplies, outsourcing, equipment, equipment service agreements, and training and development. These investments will support the Biology Unit in analyzing cases, completing training opportunities, and ultimately contribute to efficiency improvements and backlog reduction.