Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2024, $2,360,916)
The 2024 Paul Coverdell Forensic Sciences Improvement Grant affords qualifying forensic laboratories in California an opportunity to improve their efficiency and effectiveness to provide forensic science services through the improvement of the quality and timeliness of forensic services, the reduction of the number of backlogged cases, facilitation of accreditation of forensic laboratories, and address emerging forensic science issues. Funds awarded through this grant will allow California’s local forensic science laboratories, medical examiners’ offices, and coroners’ offices to continue to provide support to law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies throughout the state.
California’s Coverdell Program allows qualified forensic laboratories the flexibility to use a combination of any, or all, of the program objectives to meet the overall state goals and federal intent of the program.
Each California crime laboratory, medical examiners’ office and coroners’ office is unique. Cal OES will utilize the 2024 Paul Coverdell Forensic Sciences Improvement Grant funding to acquire and maintain accreditation for crime labs, reduce backlogs, and improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science services throughout the state.