To enhance workflow in the analysis of DNA from biological evidence in order to reduce the backlog of items to be tested.

The Monroe County Crime Laboratory (MCCL) is an American National Standards Institute National Accreditation Board accredited crime laboratory providing services to 24 police agencies in Monroe, Livingston, and Genesee counties in New York State. For at least four years before the MCCL brought DNA online as a discipline in 1999, the lab’s biologists had been retaining evidence for DNA analysis, which meant there was a backlog of cases awaiting DNA right from the start. The demand for testing far exceeded capacity, and the lab has faced challenges associated with its staffing and resources that have waxed and waned over the past two decades.

The last several years have been spent enhancing our capacity to process forensic cases by validating and implementing new DNA test kits and instruments and training new staff members. Although the new kits and instruments have reduced the time it takes to process casework samples, the time spent on validation and training took time away from casework.

Retention of experienced analysts and training of new employees have been consistent challenges. The current biology section is comprised of eleven full-time analysts, a DNA Technical Leader, and a full-time laboratory assistant, and requires supplies for screening and DNA analysis of Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) eligible samples, proficiency tests, and continuing education to maintain compliance with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Quality Assurance Standards (QAS).

The overarching goal of this project is to maintain stability in our staff and processes so we can shift our priority to backlog reduction while maintaining compliance with the QAS. Our main objectives are to assign, analyze and issue reports for a minimum of fifty cases per month by the end of the project period and to enter all eligible DNA profiles into CODIS. The primary uses of funding would be for supplies to analyze a minimum of 310 DNA cases, for maintaining accreditation requirements, and for purchasing software to assist with case tracking and data management.