2016 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program

The Denver Police Department (DPD) Crime Laboratory serves the City and County of Denver by using forensic technology to solve crime, thereby increasing public safety. The DPD Crime Laboratory DNA and Forensic Biology (DNA-FBIO) unit seeks federal support to achieve three goals: 1) To reduce the number of cases backlogged throughout the FY2016 grant period, 2) To upgrade and replace equipment through the purchase of additional filters for the Crime-lite® ML2 Alternative Light Source instrument and the purchase of a replacement minus 70 degree freezer for DNA extract storage and, 3) To fulfill continuing education requirements specified in the DNA Quality Assurance Standards for four DNA/FBIO analysts and staff.

The laboratory will meet these goals by way of the following objectives: 1) Provide forensic scientist overtime to support the forensic biology examination and in-house DNA processing, interpretation and review of 275 backlogged cases, 2) Purchase the Crime-lite® ML2 detachable viewing filters to perform more effective examinations for blood evidence and purchase a replacement minus 70 degree freezer to maintain current storage capabilities and, 3) Provide training opportunities for four FBIO-DNA analysts and staff to meet their annual continued education requirements specified in the FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories.

By implementing these measures, the DPD Crime Laboratory will target a significant backlog of all case types (including property crimes, sexual assaults and homicides) and comply with national quality assurance standards regarding continuing education
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