Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2009, $145,000)
The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.
Defiance College will use their grant to expand the capability of their dedicated forensic science lab to include a genetic analyzer. This equipment will allow the college to help meet the critical need for trained forensic scientists. Staffing shortages at forensic science labs are allowing tests which could jail violent offenders to be delayed, sometimes for years. Forensic science has evolved rapidly from an applied science, using basic analytical tools to perform fingerprint, blood type, and material analysis, to a cutting edge discipline employing sophisticated laboratory and computer methods to obtain information from collected evidence. Students trained in DNA analysis are especially in demand as the backlog of DNA testing for both remains cases and criminal cases has skyrocketed. A genetic analyzer is a crucial piece of equipment found in all professional forensic science labs, and it is imperative that students are trained to use the type of lab equipment they will use in the workforce. The genetic analyzer will offer industry-leading performance and sophisticated automation capabilities which will allow the faculty to save time, reduce the costs of supplies, and increase productivity.
NCA/NCF