FY 2009 Congressionally Selected Awards - County of Ventura - Ventura County Sheriff's Forensic Sciences Laboratory

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.

The Ventura County Sheriff's Department Forensic Services Bureau (FSB) will use the Fiscal Year 2009 Congressional funds to purchase a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The Forensic Sciences Laboratory (FSL) is the regional forensic laboratory for Ventura County. The electron microscope SEM with elemental analysis capabilities will increase efficiency and enhance the capabilities of the lab. This will allow the FSL to continue to provide high quality trace and firearms analytical services to law enforcement investigators throughout Ventura County.

NCA/NCF