Minnesota 2017 Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant

Forensic Science services are provided to the citizens of Minnesota primarily by five accredited laboratories, the MN BCA Forensic Science Service (BCA FSS), the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab Unit (HCSO CLU), the Minneapolis Police Department Crime Lab Unit (MPD CLU), the Tri-County Regional Forensic Laboratory (Tri-County) and the St. Paul Police Department forensic Services Unit (SPP FSU).

The Directors of all five laboratories have agreed on a state plan that divides the funds available based on the population served by each agency. This year, the plan calls for three of the five laboratories, BCA FSS, HCSO, and MPD CLU, to take part in the formula grant application. The plan allows the managers of each agency to determine how best to utilize their portion of the grant based on the needs of the organization and the amount of funding available. The 2017 Minnesota formula application includes funding to purchase equipment that will ensure timely and high quality examination are being performed as well as supplies used to perform daily casework.

The forensic disciplines that will benefit from the purchase of supplies and equipment include Drug Chemistry, Digital & Multimedia Evidence and Firearms/Toolmarks. The grant will also be used to fund registration fees and/or travel costs associated with continuing education opportunities for managers and scientific staff. The goal is to ensure a well-informed workforce that would lead to an increase in the quality of the forensic examinations for the citizens of Minesota. Grant administration will be coordinated by the Minnesota Office of Justice Programs.

nca/ncf