Kokomo Police Department's Forensic Crime Lab 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 City of Kokomo will purchase state of the art forensic equipment for the Kokomo Police Department's forensic laboratory. The project will convert the local law department's forensic lab into the North Central Indiana's Forensic Laboratory Processing and Training Center. The funds will be used to purchase forensic technology equipment and provide staff training on its use. The technological upgrades will allow the Kokomo Police Department and surrounding area police departments to process evidence that was previously transported to the Indiana State Police laboratory for examination. The technological upgrades will reduce travel costs associated with transporting evidence for forensic examination and/or potential mishandling or loss.

NCA/NCF