2024 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) Forensic Science Laboratory is the agency responsible for the analysis of evidentiary samples from possible crimes for all state and local law enforcement agencies and medical examiners offices within the state of Kansas. The KBI has four laboratories within the system, three of which conduct DNA testing. The three laboratories conducting DNA (casework) testing are Great Bend, Topeka (Forensic Science Center), and Kansas City. The KBI laboratory in Topeka also houses the Databank Laboratory.

The KBI Biology Section of the forensic laboratory currently has 16 qualified DNA scientists. One of the qualified DNA scientists serves as the section supervisor, one serves as the DNA technical leader, one is dedicated to validation and training, and one is a Laboratory Quality Assurance Manager.

Federal funding from this award will be used for the following objectives: fund salary and benefits for a Forensic Scientist III (FSIII) in the Topeka laboratory (casework) and a part-time Laboratory Technician for the Great Bend laboratory (casework); fund salary and benefits for a part-time Laboratory Technician for the Topeka Laboratory (casework); provide training and the required continuing education for analysts to attend national or regional forensic meetings; provide funding for overtime hours for Forensic Scientists; and replace an aging polymerase chain reaction instrument. 

These additions will result in a decrease in backlog and turnaround times and an increase in Combined DNA Index System entries from increased DNA case completion.