Evidence Response Training Center Project

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 University of New Haven, Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science, will establish an Evidence Response Training center that will help police agencies standardize protocols and procedures, increase awareness of new methodologies, apply new technologies in crime scene search, apply new forensic skills in developing and enhancing pattern evidence, use logic and artificial intelligence to reconstruct scenes, and provide access to forensic experts for advice. The Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science will provide training and references for small to medium-sized law enforcement agencies to standardize the evidence response. They will also provide these agencies with the most advanced technologies for crime scene investigation. The goal is to enhance the performance and the overall practice and efficiency of crime scene analysis.

NCA/NCF