FY 2024 Formula DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program

The Suffolk County Crime Laboratory (SCCL) is part of a local government municipality; part of its mission is to conduct DNA analysis on forensic evidence samples submitted for the county of Suffolk, New York. The Bureau of Justice Assistance FY24 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program is intended to reduce and/or prevent the backlog of the number of forensic DNA samples awaiting analysis from evidence submitted. Additionally, the program is intended to increase the throughput of forensic DNA casework samples, increasing the submissions of Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) DNA database samples. The objectives are defined in terms of long-term objectives and short-term objectives.

SCCL proposes to address long-term objectives by funding new and replacement equipment to be used for the examination, extraction, quantitation, and amplification of forensic DNA casework samples. Finally, training including CODIS conferences and grant training will allow SCCL’s Biological Sciences Section to continue to evaluate forensic DNA samples for entry and uploading into the CODIS Database. The short-term objectives will be achieved by continuing to fund the employment of two contract employees. The employees will assist in the screening of the mandated “test all” Sexual Offense Evidence Collection Kits as well as the backlogged biological evidence from criminal investigations, including property crimes. The contract employees prepare samples for analysis and have a positive impact on the reduction of backlog cases. The samples processed by the contract employees undergo DNA analysis and the resulting DNA profiles will be entered into the CODIS DNA Database. In addition, funding will be utilized to purchase commercially prepared supplies for the analysis of DNA samples, including but not limited to examination, extraction, quantitation, and amplification of forensic samples.