Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2017, $656,102)
The goal for this award is to reduce the backlog in processing non-DNA forensic evidence.
The objectives are 1) Accurate and timely processing of forensic evidence, and 2) to support accredited laboratories with equipment and resources that enhance their ability to process evidence.
The Governor's Criminal Justice Division will use its 2017 Coverdell funds to support accredited crime laboratories and medical examiner's offices in reducing the backlog on processing non-DNA forensic evidence such as firearms examinations, latent prints, toxicology, controlled substances, forensic pathology, questionable documents, and trace evidence.
Grant funds will enhance the ability of laboratories operated by state and local units of government to maintain the integrity of the evidence they examine as well as improve the timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner services.
Funds may be used to pay overtime to forensic scientists, to contract for external processing of evidence or contract with qualified scientists to address backlogs and to acquire new or replacement equipment that will improve operations of the laboratory and support a reduction in the backlog of evidence.
nca/ncf