Northwest DNA Expansion Initiative

As submitted by the proposer: The Program strategy has five key objectives that will attain The Northwest DNA Expansion Initiative's goal to free more innocent prisoners and expand access to DNA testing in the Northwest: (1) Increase IPNW's capacity to locate evidence and more quickly move cases into testing with the addition of a staff attorney and paralegal to ensure a queue of eligible cases are ready for collaborative representation by law students and pro bono lawyers; (2) Conduct limited outreach to translate and more widely disseminate IPNW application materials and conduct presentations targeted to minority prison populations; (3) Marshal existing pro bono partners and expand efforts to enlist experienced lawyers to secure DNA testing orders for more eligible prisoners; (4) Ensure WSPCLD's can provide efficient access to advanced DNA testing by funding critical overtime hours and outsource fees for contracted laboratory services; and (5) Support a pilot collaboration between IPNW and AKIP using successful models to improve case review efforts and recruit pro bono attorneys to assist on DNA cases in Alaska. Outcomes and deliverables: The two-year Initiative will support improved outreach to minority prisoners; initiate evidence searches and case reviews in at least 120 potential DNA cases; prepare 40 cases to enter the DNA Testing phase; and fmalize testing in 24 cases. Efforts ofWSPCLD, IPNW, AKIP and pro bono volunteers will improve access to postconviction DNA testing, exonerate additional Northwest prisoners and identify actual perpetrators when possible. ca /ncf