FY24 Formula DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program

The Hamilton County Coroner's Office and Laboratory continues to face budgetary challenges that affect the supplies budget and the ability of the laboratory to implement new technology. This award will ensure uninterrupted processing of Forensic Biology/DNA Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) eligible evidence that would otherwise be curtailed. The budgetary challenges have also adversely affected the Hamilton County Coroner’s Laboratory’s efforts to upgrade instrumentation to increase capacity and keep up with emerging technologies. The Hamilton County Coroner’s Crime Laboratory services the law enforcement agencies within Hamilton County, Ohio.

The Hamilton County Coroner’s Laboratory plans to increase the capacity of the DNA section by purchasing a QiaCube DNA Extraction Robot to replace an ageing and outdated QiaCube DNA Extraction Robot; reduce the backlog of forensic biology/DNA cases awaiting analysis by at least 252 cases; purchase of critical reagents and supplies necessary for the processing of these backlogged cases; maintain the quality of DNA examinations in the laboratory; fund the re-certification of critical equipment such as extraction robots, the liquid handling robot, and pipettes; allow for the continuing education and professional development of the DNA analysts and fund the purchase of proficiency tests, as required by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Quality Assurance Standards document.

Any profiles obtained from these sexual assault cases will be entered into the CODIS database. The laboratory will process backlogged cases in-house using existing procedures and recently upgraded equipment. All eligible profiles generated from processing these backlogged cases will be entered into the CODIS database.