National Forensic Science Technology Training and Technical Assistance 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 National Forensic Science Technology Center (NFSTC) will deliver services that address forensic training needs within the law enforcement community. NFSTC will offer conferences/meetings, training events, and technical assistance in the form of field demonstrations and efficiency/improvement programs to the justice community. NFSTC has a wealth of experience in planning, coordinating, facilitating and hosting conferences and symposia for the criminal justice community. NFSTC has worked with agencies from the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) to deliver conferences including the Homicide Investigation Symposium, Applied Technologies Conference, Trace Evidence Symposium, and training programs focusing on medicolegal death investigation, crime scene investigation, presumptive drug testing and principles of forensic DNA. In addition, NFSTC can provide unique technical assistance via deployable forensic laboratories which can expand an agency's laboratory resources to meet special requirements or respond to catastrophic events or emergencies.

NCA/NCF