Kansas FY 24 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant Program (formula)

Description of the Issue:

Forensic laboratories are constantly faced with the challenge of increasing caseloads and demand for forensic analyses without an increase in resources.  Similarly, laboratories are expected to keep pace with technological advances, support, and equipment capabilities with the current limited funding.

Utilization of Funds:

The three accredited forensic science laboratories in Kansas will share these funds to:

Purchase and implement a portable scanner system to increase efficiency, reproducibility, and objectivity;
Purchase a gas chromatograph to replace existing equipment used for post-mortem testing of biological specimens;
Provide Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) annual maintenance to facilitate and digitalize bench notes, evidence transfers, examination documentation, reporting, and tracking of laboratory quality metrics; and
Provide annual licensing for Grayshift GrayKey software and Berla iVe software.

Outcomes:

The overall outcomes to be achieved are:

Increased efficiency through improved quality and timeliness of forensic services;
Reduction of case backlog;
Increased testing of opioids and synthetic drugs; and
Improved services to the Kansas criminal justice community.