Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2016, $103,782)
The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Regional DNA Laboratory (JPRDL) is an equipped and active accredited crime laboratory that currently performs forensic DNA casework analysis. The laboratory undergoes a stringent external audit every two years to maintain their accreditation. All DNA analysis performed under this program is maintained in the laboratory as mandated by the federal privacy regulations. All eligible DNA profiles are entered in at the JPRDL's local CODIS terminal for upload to SDIS and NDIS by the Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory CODIS Unit. In an effort to provide timely and accurate service, the JPRDL must increase their current level of funding support. The goals and objectives of the projects funded by this grant are:
Remain current with the latest DNA technology
Reduce or maintain forensic DNA case turnaround time
Increase the throughput of the DNA laboratory
Reduce forensic DNA backlogged cases
Maintain required laboratory accreditation
Increase knowledge of staff in current and future technologies to enhance the capabilities of the laboratory
The JPRDL intends to achieve the above listed goals by maintaining current staffing levels, replacing outdated equipment, purchasing new equipment, purchasing supplies, and attending training. Replacing aging equipment will allow the JPRDL to increase capacity and decrease the backlog. This will allow the laboratory to be poised to complete the number of requests that are submitted in a timely fashion. The ultimate goal is for the JPRDL to provide real time support to investigating agencies. We expect there to be a decrease in the laboratory backlogs, a decrease in sample turnaround times, and a higher laboratory throughput to better service the law enforcement agencies. Finally, continuing education is critical to maintaining a high level of quality of DNA analysis. It is essential that DNA analysts remain up to date with current technologies and practices in order to perform at the highest level possible.
In the 2016 solicitation allocation table, the state of Louisiana is estimated to receive an aggregate amount of $1,088,169. It is our agreement with the other accredited public laboratories performing DNA analysis in Louisiana that the JPRDL is to receive $103,782 of the aggregate amount. A letter signed by a representative of each of the other accredited laboratories stating this agreement is provided as a separate attachment. nca/ncf