Development of a Forensic Science Program at Glenville State College

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 Glenville State College will expand forensic laboratory services, provide ongoing training opportunities for rural law enforcement in the preservation and handling of forensic evidence, explore Intelligent System development, and prepare students for a high-demand profession. The increasing use of advanced identification and forensic science technology within the forensic community and security industry has created a significant need for scientifically trained persons with technical skills in the forensic disciplines, computer science, engineering, biometrics, natural sciences, and criminology areas of study. Glenville State College will develop an accredited criminal justice forensic laboratory to provide central West Virginia law enforcement agencies training in forensic evidence processing. The project will provide opportunities for students and law enforcement personnel to learn forensic science and help to reduce the backlog of evidence waiting for testing at the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory.

NCA/NCF