Montana State 2018 Coverdell Formula Grant

The Montana State Administering Agency (Montana Department of Corrections, Crime Control Bureau) acting as the applicant and fiduciary agency, and in partnership with the Montana Department of Justice, aims to provide the resources necessary for the accurate and timely processing of evidence associated with crime and crime scenes.

The Montana Department of Justice Forensic Science Division Laboratory is accredited by the international testing standard by the American Society of Crime Lab Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (accreditation number: ALI-159-T) and is the sole source of forensic services in the state. The State Medical Examiner’s Office is also part of the Laboratory.

The project goal is to ensure a well-trained staff of forensic scientists and medical examiners that can continue to reduce the backlog of forensic cases and maintain the high standards related to accurate and timely processing of forensic evidence. The Montana SAA requests funding to continue support of the Forensic Science Division in meeting this goal.

The five objectives for this funding request include: (1) adding updated forensic testing instruments in the Chemistry and Toxicology Sections of the State Crime Lab in response to the increased demand for opioid and synthetic opioid testing; (2) providing additional part-time personnel to support the DNA Section of the Crime Lab; (3) training five forensic scientists from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 in order to maintain the quality of services and, when practicable, the advancement of forensic services; (4) maintaining and expanding the Laboratory Information System; and (5) maintaining standard laboratory supplies in both State Crime Lab facilities.

nca/ncf