Southwest Forensic Science Program

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 Southwest Tennessee Community Center will use its Congressionally Selected Award funds to introduce a new forensic science concentration (Southwest Forensic Science Program ) to enhance the criminal justice offerings at the college. The shortage of experts trained in forensic science in Tennessee is a great handicap to the legal system. For that reason, the Southwest Forensic Science Program will provide students with the biotechnology and forensic skills necessary to work in a federal, state, local, or private criminal investigation laboratory. This program will start small by introducing the basics of forensics education, first offering fingerprint processing and moving them to prepare for lab work. Later the program will include crime scene investigation and reconstruction. The Center will develop components that relate to forensic investigation and the management and processing of crime scenes. This includes the collection and preservation of evidence. The Center will also develop a legal aspects of forensics component, which includes proper handling and presentation of evidence as well as understanding criminal behavior and the legal system. The forensic technician will help develop skills of quantitative and qualitative analysis to be used in laboratories of police departments, crime scene investigation, and morgues. The program core goals consist of intensive laboratory-based courses including chemistry, biology, and forensic science biotechniques, culminating in an internship.

NCA/NCF