Columbus Police Forensic Services Facility Project

The Congressionally Recommended Awards Program, authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), 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 recommended by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-117, 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 2010 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY2010 Department of Justice Appropriations Act.

The Columbus Division of Police will support a new state-of-the-art forensic services facility with adequate space to address the current needs of the City of Columbus. The City of Columbus is consolidating the Police Property Room, Crime Laboratory, and Crime Scene Search Unit into one location. By combining these operations into one state-of-the-art facility, the resulting efficiencies will streamline the investigation of crimes, better preserve the integrity of sensitive forensic evidence, and enhance overall public safety. This project will provide updated forensic service areas which will facilitate personnel and technology necessary to expand the testing crime laboratory. This expanded capacity will assist in reducing the backlog of forensic casework that await analysis and allow for faster turnaround of results. A faster turnaround of casework will allow for more timely resolution of criminal investigations and increase the effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

NCA/NCF