Oregon's FY 2024 BJA Formula DNA CEBR Program Grant

The Oregon State Police Forensic Services Division, as mandated by Oregon Revised Statute 181A.150, provides scientific, technical, and investigative support to the criminal justice system through the forensic analysis of evidence. The division provides service to all criminal justice agencies from its five forensic laboratories located in Clackamas (Portland Metro), Springfield, Central Point, Bend, and Pendleton. Biology processing is performed in all five laboratories, while forensic DNA testing and DNA databasing is performed only at the Portland Metro Forensic Laboratory. The biology/DNA teams are consistently challenged to meet customer requests for DNA services and must continuously seek opportunities to adapt laboratory operations, alleviate bottlenecks, and increase the number of cases completed.

The Forensic Services Division requests FY24 Formula DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program funds to support its overall goals of increasing casework capacity and decreasing the backlog. Specifically, funds will be used for positions (administrative and scientist positions), overtime, outsourcing of backlogged cases, software licenses, equipment, scanning of legacy case files, and accreditation. The division anticipates that approximately 1,025 cases can be processed, recorded, screened, and/or analyzed with grant funding during the award period.

This project will serve and benefit the entire state of Oregon. There are no sub-recipients.