BJA FY24 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program-Formula

INCREASING IDAHO LABORATORY CAPACITY, QUALITY, AND TIMELINESS

COVERDELL PROJECT ABSTRACT

     Idaho State Police Forensic Services (ISPFS) provides forensic services for 1.9 million people in the state of Idaho.  There has been a 27% increase in controlled substance (CS) cases finished in Idaho in the last five years.  ISPFS recently achieved ISO 17025:2017 accreditation status for the breath alcohol instrument calibration program.  As a result, the frequency of calibrations required for each instrument has increased, dramatically increasing the workload of the discipline scientists.  In addition, all calibrations must be done in the forensic services laboratory, increasing the travel time to pick up instruments and drop them off after calibration has been completed.  A scientist is needed to keep up with the workload in the discipline.  ISPFS will use Coverdell funds to continue employment of two grant-funded state Chemistry/Controlled Substance Analysts and one Breath Alcohol Technician to manage the increase in casework and instrument calibrations state-wide. 

    ISPFS will also provide assistance to the Canyon County Crime Laboratory to pursue ISO 17025:2017 accreditation in 2025.  This is the final crime laboratory in Idaho that is not accredited.  Idaho would be one of the first states in the country with every traditional forensic science laboratory in the state being accredited.  ISPFS will also use funds to continue to address the forensic document examination needs of the laboratory.  ISPFS has developed manuals, is training staff to competency, has started performing this analysis for Idaho law enforcement and courts by using contractors, and will be seeking accreditation in two years.  ISPFS has added contractors to provide the casework until our staff are fully trained.  Coverdell formulary funds will be used to continue this contract until ISP analysts are fully trained and operational. 

     The outcome is to get casework done and maintain current turnaround times as casework continues to increase in these disciplines.