State of Colorado Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Program

Colorado’s primary objective for these funds is to assist laboratories in their efforts to improve current operations in the quality and/or timeliness of forensic science services provided throughout the state. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will access the 2018 Coverdell funds to decrease the turnaround time of submitted cases through the use of overtime specifically to address the increased backlog due to the opioid epidemic in the following disciplines: Drug chemistry, latent prints, firearms, and toxicology. Additionally, CBI will use funds to maintain accreditation with ISO17025:2005 and 2017 standards that will directly aid in addressing the problems associated with the opioid epidemic.

The Denver Police Crime Laboratory and Denver’s Office of the Medical Examiner (OME) will be pursuing training opportunities that contribute to the maintenance of their accreditations. To heighten the timeliness of the Crime Scene Unit (CSU), while ensuring a quality investigation, the Crime Laboratory will be purchasing five laser trajectory kits and eight macro camera lenses.

The Colorado Springs Metro Crime Laboratory (MCL) will provide MCL staff with necessary training in their respective forensic discipline(s). Funding is also requested for supplies and equipment to aid in the confirmative identification of drugs, specifically opioids and designer drugs.

Finally, the Northern Colorado Regional Forensic Lab (NCRFL) is seeking funds to train forensic scientists in their area of expertise. This training will also include the training of a new DME analyst that will be involved in the processing of electronic devices associated with the illegal distribution of synthetic opioids.

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