BJA FY24 Formula DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction

The Tulsa Police Department Forensic Laboratory (TPDFL) tests DNA evidence from criminal investigations for the city of Tulsa Police Department. In 2019, the Oklahoma legislature passed Senate Bill 975, which requires law enforcement agencies to submit sexual assault evidence kits to an accredited forensic laboratory within 20 days of collection. This law dramatically increased the number of service requests submitted to the TPDFL for DNA testing.

The TPDFL requests federal funding through the FY24 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program to alleviate the increased service demand by improving operational capacity and decreasing the turnaround time for testing and Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) entry of eligible crime-scene evidence. The award will fund the following initiatives: retaining one grant funded biology position through September 2026; maintenance fees for equipment critical to the DNA testing process; maintenance fees for laboratory information management software  that personnel use to record DNA testing activities; service fees for compliance software supporting the DNA quality assurance program; annual fees to maintain laboratory accreditation; a DNA Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) audit to maintain access to the (CODIS); and continuing education opportunities for DNA personnel to ensure QAS compliance.

These initiatives will support and enhance the existing short and long-term strategies for DNA backlog reduction implemented by the TPDFL with previous award funding.