Enhancing Forensics and Crime Scene Investigations

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, Bates County will use the grant award to reduce community crime by enhancing crime scene investigations through the development of one new crime scene investigations position. This position will help the Sheriff's Office achieve three objectives: (1) to create one more job in a rural community; (2) to return patrol officers back to patrol sooner after the initial call for service; and (3) to provide effective crime scene processing and evidence collection to ensure that courts can offer the accused a speedy trial. Achieving all three objectives will assist the sheriff's office in reducing crime throughout the community it serves.

CA/NCF