Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2016, $239,433)
The Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division (MSP-FSD) requests funds under the 2016 DNA Backlog Reduction Program with the goal of focusing on DNA casework in an effort to continue reducing existing backlogs and prevent future backlog build up while at the same time sustain/improve turn around time.
MSP-FSD has been very successful in the implementation of a long term project to control; significantly reduce, and eventually eliminate the DNA casework backlog. This project is based on an approach that combines the use of in-house outsourcing and agency direct outsourcing of casework as well as a tier approach and other streamlining techniques to improve the in-house operations. MSP-FSD's goal is to continue utilizing these techniques and therefore the requested funds are geared towards continuing these proven to be successful methods of addressing the casework backlog.
The federal funding from this award will be used for the following specific goals:
-Goal 1: Reduce the backlog of forensic biology/DNA cases by outsourcing.
-Goal 2: Maintain current laboratory capabilities and improve operations while preparing for the incorporation of the expanded CODIS Core loci panel by completing the purchase of a 3500xl genetic analyzer (asking for funding to fund only a portion of the total cost), and upgrading those computers that are at the end of their life cycle.
-Goal 3. Provide required continuing education.
MSP-FSD expects to analyze by outsourcing 105 DNA cases and maintain a backlog of less than 100 cases. nca/nfa