Denver Integrated Cold Case DNA 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 Denver District Attorney's Office will use the FY 2010 Congressionally Recommended Award for a Denver Integrated Cold Case DNA project. The purposes of the project are to enhance the Integrated Cold Case DNA Project and to reduce the number of unsolved sexual assault and homicide cases by utilizing STR DNA analysis and the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), serve the victim survivors with dignity, provide high quality victim services, and develop a package for the successful Denver model to be a national demonstration site for replication across the country. The reduction in unsolved crimes will help to reduce future crimes and increase safety for those in the City and County of Denver.

NCA/NCF