Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2024, $170,621)
The Mansfield Division of Police Forensic Science Section DNA Laboratory is an agency that is responsible for analyzing evidential material associated with criminal investigations for local law enforcement agencies in Mansfield, Ohio and adjoining communities. The DNA Laboratory is composed of two DNA analysts and one DNA technician and has been in operation since 2001. This laboratory is also one of seven Ohio National DNA Index System (NDIS) laboratory participants. The Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) operations are performed on the local level with samples being uploaded to the state of Ohio for submission to the National DNA Index System (NDIS).
Federal funding from this award will be used for the following goals: reduce the forensic DNA case backlog, maintain limited turn-around time and the continued participation in CODIS by providing for personnel costs; utilize overtime to maintain current turnaround time and the technical review of a minimum of 30 DNA cases; provide registration and travel related costs associated with continuing education for DNA analysts; establish a contract for an external DNA Audit; purchase a CODIS computer server; purchase service contracts for DNA equipment including real time instrumentation, genetic analyzer, Driftcon unit, and mixture interpretation system; and purchase contract for LIMS subscriptions for the DNA Section.
The Mansfield Division of Police Forensic Science Section DNA Laboratory can expect to reduce the DNA case backlog by at least 100 cases by the end of the award period. Accurate records of cases completed, including number of samples analyzed, days to completion, CODIS upload and CODIS hits, will be maintained to determine the impact of the grant funding.