FY17 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Grant

The Division of Forensic Science is the agency that is responsible for analyzing evidential material associated with criminal investigations for all state and local law enforcement agencies and medical examiners within the state of Delaware.

Delaware Code (Title 29, Chapter 47) designates the DE DFS as the agency responsible for conducting DNA analysis on DNA samples collected by the Delaware Department of Corrections from all convicted felons; the DE DFS is responsible for storing and maintaining the resultant DNA profiles in the Delaware State DNA Index System.

The State of Delaware has seen an increase in the number of cases submitted to the DFS-DNA unit for DNA analysis. Although the caseload has increased, the amount of resources has not, and there is a backlog of cases in our unit as a result. Funds from this grant will be used to:

1. Reduce the forensic DNA case backlog through the purchasing new equipment and supplies.

2. Reduce the DNA database sample backlog through the purchasing new equipment and supplies.

3. Provide the required continuing education for each analyst.

The DE DFS - DNA Unit can expect to reduce the DNA case backlog by at least 180 cases by the end of the award period. The agency also expects to work at least 1,200 DNA database samples using Federal funding. The turnaround time is expected to be reduced to 80 days or less, and the analyst throughput in the casework sections is expected to increase.

nca/ncf