BJA FY24 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program - Formula for the Department of Public Safety-State of Utah Forensic Laboratory System

2024 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program (Formula)

Abstract

The Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) is requesting $303,196 in 2024 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program (Formula) funds for the Utah Bureau of Forensic Services (UBFS), Intermountain West Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory (IWRCFL), and the Utah Public Health Laboratory–Forensic Toxicology (UPHL-Tox).  Funding would be used to target three pressing issues in opioid and non-opioid related areas: personnel, supplies and equipment maintenance, and training. Funding is requested to retain a part-time Program Specialist and part-time Forensic Scientist and overtime at the IWRCFL, and a part-time Forensic Scientist at the UBFS. The UBFS and UPHL-Tox would like to purchase equipment, consumables, and supplies to perform maintenance on scientific instruments used for analysis of opioids and other controlled substances, and maintenance on firing ranges used in firearm and NIBIN analysis. Training is requested by the UBFS and UPHL-Tox so that analysts can maintain expertise and certification in their respective disciplines. Utilizing Coverdell funds in this manner will help to improve the quality, efficiency, and timeliness of forensic science services for the State of Utah.