Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab BJA FY 2024 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants - Formula

The Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab (NSPCL) is a division of the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP). The NSPCL is responsible for analyzing evidence associated with criminal investigations for all state and local law enforcement agencies in the state of Nebraska. The NSPCL is internationally accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB).

Consistent increases in case submissions, rising backlogs and lagging resources have strained the NSPCL staff’s ability to provide timely services to its customers. While analytical staff numbers have slowly increased to meet customer demands, the Lab has relied on Coverdell funding to provide adequate evidence handling staff since 2019.

The FY 2024 funding will be utilized to achieve the following goals:
To provide quality and timely service to our law enforcement community as well as our own internal laboratory customers in the area of evidence handling and administrative support through continued funding of two evidence technicians.
To digitize laboratory case files to assist in providing quality and timely service to our law enforcement community as well as our own internal laboratory customers.
To provide essential discipline specific continuing education for laboratory staff to ensure they stay abreast of current technologies and emerging trends in their respective disciplines as well as forensic laboratory leadership techniques training for select staff members.
To provide quality and timely service to our law enforcement community through funding the purchase of a Nikon KP mirrorless Camera System and Crime Lite Laser for the latent print section.
To provide effective, efficient evidence transfer in the Case Management section during, and after, completion of the laboratory expansion project through the purchase of a battery powered mobile cart.
The $303,196 made available through this project, will enable the NSPCL to conduct forensic analysis utilizing qualified personnel, with reliable and modern technology. Under this project, the NSPCL will satisfy unmet priority needs, improving the quality and timeliness of forensic laboratory services to law enforcement agencies in Nebraska.