GBI Crime Lab Staffing and Instrumentation Enhancements

The Recovery Act Edward Byrne Memorial Competitive Grant Program (Byrne Competitive Program) will help communities improve the capacity of state and local justice systems and provide for national support efforts including training and technical assistance programs strategically targeted to address local needs. This competitive grant announcement focuses on initiatives in eight areas: 1) preventing and reducing violent crime through community-based data-driven approaches; 2) providing funding for neighborhood-based probation and parole officers; 3) reducing mortgage fraud and crime related to vacant properties; 4) hiring of civilian support personnel in law enforcement (training staff, analysts, dispatchers, etc.); 5) enhancing forensic and crime scene investigations; 6) improving resources and services for victims of crime; 7) supporting problem-solving courts; and 8) national training and technical assistance partnerships.

Under category 5, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) will use the grant award to hire and train 15 total new positions, consisting of 12 forensic scientists and 3 forensic technician positions. In addition, funds will be used to enhance the criminal justice system in Georgia through improved forensic capabilities at GBI's Division of Forensic Sciences (DOFS) by replacing and adding scientific instrumentation needed to train the new hires and by delivering more robust forensic science services. GBI-DOFS, the primary provider of forensic analysis services for the State of Georgia, is composed of 8 laboratory facilities located throughout the state, with a total staff of approximately 260 scientists, medical examiners, and support personnel, and completing over 90,000 forensic analyses per year. All positions funded through this program will be transitioned to state-funded positions upon the retirement or resignation of existing staff over the next 18-24 months. Hiring and training replacement scientists and technicians will minimize reductions in service delivery capability as existing staff leave employment, and awarded funds will also assist with the GBI strategic goal of completing 90 percent of forensic reports within 45 days of evidence submission.

CA/NCF