Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory DNA Expansion Project

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 Pinellas County will expand the capabilities of the Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory (PCFL) to include forensic DNA analysis. PCFL currently serves the criminal justice community of Pinellas County, Florida (estimated resident population 950,000) and the Florida District 6 Medical Examiner Office (Pinellas and Pasco Counties). By expanding services to include forensic DNA analyses, PCFL will provide critical assistance to the criminal justice community in the investigation and resolution of violent and non-violent crimes within the county. This will be accomplished by staffing a DNA unit within the laboratory; validating scientific methods associated with DNA analyses; establishing policies and procedures to ensure proper evidence handling and accurate results; and obtaining relevant certifications and accreditation to allow for access to search DNA profiles. PCFL will provide citizens with quality forensic DNA analysis of biological evidence with an average turn-around time of less than 45 days and establishing an accredited DNA unit within the existing Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory to increase the 'solve/cleared' rate of violent and nonviolent felonies.

NCA/NCF