State of Wisconsin FY24 DNA CEBR Program

The state of Wisconsin has two accredited laboratories that perform DNA analysis for all state and local law enforcement agencies. Additionally, Wisconsin State Statute designates the Wisconsin Division of Forensic Sciences (DFS) as the agency responsible for conducting DNA analysis on all eligible offender samples. The forensic DNA demands and case complexity in Wisconsin have continued to rise without a corresponding boost in the budget. In addition, forensic laboratories nationwide, including Wisconsin, have been impacted both budgetarily and operationally by changes to sexual assault kit legislation. These challenges, combined with an insufficient budget, have negatively impacted both the turnaround time as well as the case backlog.

Supporting an award for capacity enhancement for backlog reduction will improve Wisconsin’s ability to increase the number of samples analyzed, reduce the turnaround time, and increase entry of DNA profiles into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). To accomplish these objectives, Wisconsin will use the provided funds to attend national meetings and training seminars, maintain proficiency test requirements, outsource sexual assault kits, and replace, upgrade, or improve existing equipment. In conclusion, these funds will allow Wisconsin to maximize the operational effectiveness of the forensic DNA system and will also help ease the expanding demands of the state and local law enforcement agencies.