FY 2017 Institute of Forensic Science of Puerto Rico PC Forensic Science Improvement Grant

The PRFIS is an ASCLD-LAB-, FBI-, ACGME-, FQS-, and NAME-accredited, full-service forensic facility that has served the citizens of Puerto Rico since 1985. It is the only forensic laboratory in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Coverdell funding will be used to achieve two main goals 1). Improve the timeliness of forensic reports in the Toxicology, Controlled Substances and Firearms and Toolmarks Sections; 2). Improve the quality of forensic reports in the Criminalistics and Toxicology and Medico Legal Divisions by assisting to continuing education trainings.

Through the proposed effort, a step towards achieving the needed capacity enhancement of analyzing high priority cases, funding will be requested for the hiring of three (3) highly motivated, trained, and committed forensic technicians. These personnel will be trained both in theory and practice by a highly qualified examiner with federal court experience.

A modicum of funding will also be applied towards attending training and conferences in support of the stated grant goals.

nca/ncf