FY2024 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program

The Greenville County Department of Public Safety (GC-DPS) is responsible for analyzing evidential material for local law enforcement agencies and the coroner's office within Greenville County, South Carolina. Due to budgetary constraints, the GC-DPS Forensic DNA Laboratory could not offer free services to neighboring counties and municipalities in the upstate region of South Carolina. Initially, a fee-for-service model was available, but the financial limitations of these agencies prevented them from utilizing the laboratory. Since January 2013, grant funding has enabled the GC-DPS to process forensic biology and DNA cases for all regional agencies at no cost. This support has improved the turnaround time for forensic casework in the upstate region and reduced the backlog at the state DNA laboratory by decreasing submissions from upstate agencies.

Federal funding from this award will be used to achieve several key goals. First, it will allow the GC-DPS to continue offering forensic biology and DNA services specifically for Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) entry, to regional upstate South Carolina agencies at no cost. This will increase the overall capacity of the GC-DPS Forensic DNA Laboratory by handling additional DNA cases from these regional agencies. Second, the funding will help reduce the current backlog of DNA cases awaiting CODIS entry. Third, it will ensure the laboratory continues to meet International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission 17025 accreditation standards by funding annual audits and accreditation fees from the American National Standards Institute National Accreditation Board.

Additionally, the funding will be used to purchase two ProFlex 96-well polymerase chain reaction (PCR) Systems Thermal Cyclers, upgrading the outdated GeneAmp PCR System 9700 Thermal Cyclers, and to acquire the Foster+Freeman Crime-Lite alternate light source system to enhance biological screening capabilities. It will also cover service and maintenance agreements for instrumentation, software, and the laboratory management system, and provide continuing education for DNA laboratory staff.

The GC-DPS Forensic DNA Laboratory expects to analyze at least 180 forensic biology and DNA cases, focusing on reducing the backlog and supporting regional agencies, with the overtime and supply funds provided during the award period. This comprehensive approach will enhance the laboratory's capacity, improve the efficiency of forensic analysis, and support the criminal justice system in the upstate region of South Carolina.