Northern Colorado Regional Forensic Laboratory 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 Northern Colorado Regional Forensic Laboratory will continue to improve all areas of forensic services provided in northern Colorado and to maintain the creation of their full service regional forensic laboratory. This is a collaborative effort between Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Larimer County Sheriff's Office, Weld County Sheriff's Office, Loveland Police Department, Greeley Police Department, and Fort Collins Police Services. The goal of the project will be to provide the foundational support for future sustainability of the regional forensic laboratory to reduce the backlog of submitted cases, enhance the quality of the forensic laboratory, improve the responsiveness of the lab to submitting agencies, and improve the overall efficiencies in the laboratory.

NCA/NCF