2018 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant

Although better case management, streamlined processing, and increased case work capacity have helped laboratories increase output and reduce backlogs in some disciplines, and slow the growth of backlogs in others, large numbers of pending cases remain throughout the state laboratory system.

Medical examiners are facing the challenge of providing timely services to meet the increasing volume of service requests within their respective districts due to outdated technology and limited resources. Through self-assessment, the state and local laboratories and medical examiner offices have identified and prioritized their agencies’ needs, and are requesting Coverdell funds for temporary personnel, equipment, training, supplies and contract services to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic and medical examiner services throughout the State.

PROJECT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
1. Reduce analysis time for cases submitted to state and county crime laboratories;
2. Reduce backlogs in the analysis of non-biology forensic science evidence;
3. Improve timeliness of medical examiner services throughout Florida; and
4. Train forensic laboratory and medical examiner personnel to improve quality and timeliness of services and eliminate case backlogs.

nca/ncf