FY 2017 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program: Ohio's Formula-based Application and Ohio Attorney General's Competitive Application titled "Battling Ohio’s Opioid Epidemic"

Because of the epidemic of drug usage, forensic labs nationally have been inundated with cases of forensic case files. It's essential that technology be kept updated to ensure accurate and efficient results for these cases. Ohio’s drug epidemic is no exception and as more opioids, heroin and fentanyl abuse and usage continues these illegal drugs will be confiscated by the law enforcement agencies in Ohio, which then leads to the need for more testing and identifying of controlled substances. This means a need for overtime, large caseloads, and backlog of forensic reports for forensic labs across the state. This application is focused on funding eleven agencies that will work to ensure quality, efficient, processing of forensic science services to criminal justice professionals. Funding under this solicitation will support the purchase of laboratory equipment and software, to increase the turnaround time of lab results. The funds will also support additional training in Forensics and Toxicology, Firearm, Tool Mark Examiner’s training and much more. These conferences and trainings are essential in enhancing knowledge and keeping up with current methods and procedures of Forensics. Key goals for this proposal are: keep qualified personnel to assist in the reduction or elimination of backlog in the areas of analysis of forensic science evidence; obtain critical and up-to-date information available on forensic analysis through professional conferences, instrument manufacturers, training and networking; procure technology and supplies that will maintain or enhance laboratory accreditation, quality assurance and analytical ability and maintain the standards of ASCLD/LAB accreditation.

nca/ncf