DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction - St. Charles County

The St. Charles County Police Department Criminalistics Laboratory (SCCPDCL) provides forensic DNA analysis services to the law enforcement community of St. Charles County, Missouri. The SCCPDCL has seen a steady increase in DNA submissions as DNA evidence continues to be more prevalent and highly valuable in criminal investigations. As a result, the SCCPDCL is committed to using efficient and reliable methodologies, equipment and supplies to analyze the varied forensic DNA samples submitted.

The SCCPDCL will use its portion of Missouri’s FY24 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program Formula funding to enhance its DNA testing capacity and reduce its DNA backlog by providing overtime for analysts, purchasing DNA extraction and quantitation supplies, and the use of laboratory information management system (LIMS) enhancements in the DNA section. Funding analyst overtime is a proven way for the SCCPDCL to reduce its DNA backlog and improve the timeliness of forensic DNA testing. Supplies for processing DNA samples increase the efficiency and productivity of the DNA section. The use of the JusticeTrax LIMS-Plus DNA Module will increase the capacity of the laboratory by streamlining and automating DNA case management. The SCCPDCL anticipates working 200 additional DNA cases during the program period as a result of program funding.

Three major goals of this program are to: reduce the DNA backlog by 10 percent through analyst overtime and the purchase of supplies; reduce the average turnaround time to less than 200 days by funding analyst overtime; and increase the number of items analyzed per analyst per month to over 40.

Achieving these goals will increase the overall productivity and efficiency of the SCCPDCL - positively impacting the investigations and prosecutions of all laboratory cases, especially those with DNA evidence. This program will also strengthen the SCCPDCL’s commitment to the law enforcement agencies it serves and furthers the Department of Justice’s mission to uphold the rule of law, to keep our country safe, and to protect civil rights.