FY16 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement - Formula and Competitive

Utilizing funds provided under the formula allocation of the FY2016 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program, the New Jersey State Police (NJSP)Office of Forensic Sciences (OFS) proposes to further develop and enhance forensic capabilities among State and local agencies. As a long term plan started under previous Coverdell Grant awards, funding from this year's grant will supply the resources to provide New Jersey's Forensic practitioners with the necessary knowledge, skills and capabilities to ensure high quality, timely forensic services throughout the State. Procurement of essential equipment will aid in achieving and maintaining accreditation and ultimately ensure that services and analyses provided by all of the State's agencies are of the highest standard. The NJSP OFS will use funds to replace an outdated gas chromatograph-mass; spectrometer (GC-MSD) at the Central Regional Laboratory in Hamilton. This instrument is critical in the timely analysis ofdrug-related evidence due to the current Heroin epidemic in New Jersey. The OFS will also be purchasing a GC-IR interface which will be used to interconnect two existing instruments, allowing both instruments to work in tandem. Lastly, the OFS will be purchasing several laptop computers for the Drug 'scientists at the East Regional Laboratory. The NJSP Ballistics Unit will use funds provided to purchase updated reference materials and external proficiency tests to improve the quality of analysis being produced. The NJSP forensic Photography Unit will utilize funds to purchase a 3D scanner and digital sketch tablets for the Forensic Artists. Additionally, camera stands, accessories, and lighting systems for the photographers will be purchased. This purchase will primarily result in increased quality of the Forensic photographs being produced. The NJSP Crime Scene Investigation Units will utilize funds for the purchase of software and accessories to assist with the collection and documentation of Latent Prints. Additionally, large sifting screens for the processing of clandestine gravesites as well as 'improved portable lighting systems will be purchased. Both will directly improve the quality of the examination by these Units. This grant proposal will also address the specific individual needs of county and local laboratories to enable them to obtain funding in support of the statewide goals and the purposes of the FY2016 Paul Coverdell Grant. A competitive process for county and local forensic and ballistics laboratories and medical examiners offices will assist these laboratories to provide training and equipment necessary to increase productivity, timeliness and quality of forensic sciences.

nca/ncf