FY2016 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program - Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation provides forensic services in criminal cases to all eligible agencies in the state of Oklahoma. The Biology discipline of the OSBI consists of three Forensic Biology Units located in two laboratories across the state. The primary unit and a property crime/cold case unit are located at the Forensic Science Center in Edmond, Oklahoma, while the regional laboratory is located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. The OSBI is also responsible for processing offender samples in accordance with state and federal law. The CODIS unit of the OSBI is located at the Forensic Science Center in Edmond, Oklahoma.

The OSBI has been through significant budget cuts throughout the past several years. The state of Oklahoma has indicated a continued budget shortfall for the next fiscal year; therefore, funding is limited for consumable products, equipment, and salaries for technicians. The funding from this award will assist the OSBI in continuing its mission of providing Biology related forensic services to agencies in Oklahoma.

The OSBI has the following goals for this award:

1. Reduce and prevent the backlog of DNA cases and offender samples
2. Increase capacity in both casework and database
3. 30 day turnaround time for DNA cases

The OSBI seeks to improve casework productivity while decreasing the overall turnaround time and back log of cases and maintain the productivity of analysis regarding offender DNA samples. The increase in casework productivity and capacity for offender DNA sample processing will be achieved by continuing technicians in the processing of certain steps. Increase in casework productivity will also be achieved through the purchase of an automated liquid handling system for quanititation setup, other small equipment for DNA processing, and overtime for personnel. The increase in database productivity and decrease in turnaround time will also be achieved using reagents and supplies which otherwise would not be purchased.

The OSBI also seeks to fund new computers and analysis software for quanititation and data analysis. These software upgrades will increase the casework productivity by supplementing previous validations of next generation analysis kits by providing analysts access to the most current analysis software and time saving processes. These software upgrades will also provide greater information for the OSBI’s community served.
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