Forensic Training Institute

The Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Grants Program (Byrne Discretionary Program) helps local communities improve the capacity of local justice systems and provides for national support efforts. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 08 Congressional Budget. Funds should be used for purposes recommended by Congress.

The Towson University will establish a Forensic Training Institute on its campus in Baltimore County, Maryland. The University presently offers certificate training programs in two forensic sciences disciplines ' DNA analysis and body fluid and hair analysis ' to scientists and professional analysts in state and local crime labs, as well as to students in the University's undergraduate and graduate forensic degree programs. The grant funds will expand the training program by adding a third course, Analysis of Explosives and Explosive Residues Used in Improvised Explosive Devices, with most funds to be used for the purchase of scientific equipment. The course curriculum will be developed in partnership with scientists from private, state and federal forensic laboratories.

NCA/NCF