NMDPS FY 2016 Forensic DNA Backlog Reduction Project

The New Mexico Department of Public Safety (NMDPS) Forensic Laboratory Bureau (FLB) is seeking federal funding in the amount of $219,567.00 from the FY 2016 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program to improve the quality and timeliness of statewide forensic science and medical examiner/coroner’s officer services. This funding will directly impact the NMDPS FLB’s ability to provide training to forensic laboratory staff and to work toward the elimination of DNA forensic case backlogs.
The NMDPS FLB is a full service forensic laboratory responsible for analyzing evidentiary material associated with criminal investigations for over 200 law enforcement agencies and medical examiners within the State of New Mexico. The mission of the DPS Forensic Laboratories is to “build a safer, stronger New Mexico by providing the highest quality forensic analytical support to the State’s criminal justice community.” The NMDPS FY 2016 Forensic DNA Backlog Reduction Project was developed in support of, and to augment, this mission. It provides a mechanism for expanded, more efficient, and improved forensic DNA services for the New Mexico criminal justice system.
The project FLB proposes will 1) provide overtime funds and supplies for forensic scientist to conduct DNA analysis of at least 83 backlogged DNA cases; 2) enable the Biology laboratory to purchase Probabilistic Genotyping statistical software to aid in the interpretation of DNA mixtures and thus improve overall efficiency in the laboratory; 3) to supplement internal and external training to meet continuing education requirements for accreditation and provide travel expenses for continuing education and training opportunities; 4) to provide for administrative costs associated with grant management.

This award will be specifically used for the following goals:(1) Reduce the backlog of forensic biology/DNA cases; 2) Increase and/or maintain the capacity and capabilities of the DPS/APD casework laboratories; (3) Maintain continuing education for all analysts in the DPS/APD labs; and, (4) Purchase supplies, assemble, and distribute DNA Database collection kits.
nca/ncf