Additional Required Personnel and Supplies for DNA Laboratory for York County Sheriff's Office

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) allows states and units of local government, including tribes, to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own state and local needs and conditions. Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice, including for any one or more of the following purpose areas: 1) law enforcement programs; 2) prosecution and court programs; 3) prevention and education programs; 4) corrections and community corrections programs; 5) drug treatment and enforcement programs; 6) planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs; and 7) crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation).

York County will utilize the FY 2011 JAG award to meet the necessary requirements needed to operate their DNA Laboratory. Previous JAG grant funds and drug forfeiture monies are currently being utilized to implement a DNA Laboratory within the Forensic Services Unit at the York County Sheriff's Office. Funds will allow the Sheriff's Office to purchase supplies for the lab and to hire a second qualified DNA scientist. The additional DNA Scientist position is required in order to meet compliance with the FBI's Quality Assurance Standards, which allows laboratories access to the CODIS network. The second analyst allows for a second technical review on all cases and provides a high quality assurance standard. The newly established DNA Lab will greatly enhance the Sheriff Department's ability to identify and charge suspects involved in various crimes within York County.

NCA/NCF