MBCC 2017 Coverdell Formula Grant

The Montana Board of Crime Control (MBCC) acting as the applicant and fiduciary agency and in partnership with the Montana Department of Justice aims to provide the resources necessary for the accurate and timely processing of evidence associated with crime and crime scenes.

The Montana Department of Justice Forensic Science Division Laboratory is accredited by the international testing standard by the American Society of Crime Lab Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (accreditation number: ALI-159-T) and is the sole source of forensic services in the state. The State Medical Examiner’s Office is also part of the laboratory. The project goal is to ensure a well trained staff of forensic scientists and medical examiners that can continue to reduce the backlog of forensic cases and maintain the high standards related to accurate and timely processing of evidence. MBCC requests base funding of $115,000 to continue support of the Forensic Science Division in meeting this goal.

The four objectives for this funding request include: (1) provide continuing education for five (5) forensic scientists from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018 in order to maintain the quality of services and, when practicable, the advancement of forensic services; (2) to continue to fund maintenance for our laboratory information management system and to expand the number of licenses; (3) to maintain and expand the standard laboratory supplies in Missoula and Billings facilities; and (4) to hire, train, and compensate one (1) Part-time Forensic Technician.

nca/ncf