BJA FY24 FORMULA DNA CAPACITY ENHANCEMENT FOR BACKLOG REDUCTION FOR HARRIS COUNTY IFS

The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences (HCIFS) Forensic Genetics Laboratory (FGL) will use funds from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program to increase the number of DNA Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) eligible samples analyzed at HCIFS and to reduce turnaround times for CODIS entries.  

Harris County, Texas is the third largest county in the United States and the largest in Texas, with 4.8 million people, including the 2.3 million residents of Houston.

The HCIFS-FGL provides forensic DNA analysis to approximately 75 law enforcement agencies in the county, excluding the Houston Police Department. Approximately 79,000 offenses were committed in unincorporated Harris County comprised of approximately 11,446 personal crimes and about 67,584 property crimes. The HCIFS-FGL received approximately 2,280 cases in 2023. The laboratory will use BJA grant funds for overtime as well as to purchase consumable supplies and DNA analysis software maintenance/upgrades fees. Funds from this award will also be used to provide required continuing DNA education to laboratory staff through training and conference attendance in order to meet accreditation, licensing and certification requirements. BJA grant funds will increase the overall capacity and productivity of the HCIFS-FGL, which will make a significant impact on increasing the number of CODIS eligible samples analyzed and reducing the turnaround times for CODIS entries.