State of Wisconsin FY18 Paul Coverdell Formula Grant Program

The forensic demands on Wisconsin, including cases with a public safety threat and opioid related investigations, have continued to increase in the 2017 calendar year.

To address this increased demand, it is imperative that Wisconsin continues to advance and evaluate technologies while also maintaining accurate, reliable, and credible results. Wisconsin agencies working in this collaborative effort include the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory Bureau (WSCLB), Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office (MCME), Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH), and the Kenosha County Department of Health (KCDOH).

Supporting an award for forensic science improvement will further Wisconsin’s ability to increase professional development, remain compliant with accreditation standards, maintain a high level of quality results, maintain a reasonable backlog of samples awaiting analysis, and improve the timely delivery of results. More specifically, to accomplish these objectives, Wisconsin will use the provided funds to attend national and regional meetings and training seminars, maintain accreditation costs, proficiency test requirements, and certifications as well as support overtime, laboratory supply purchases, and equipment acquisitions.

In conclusion, these funds will ensure improvement of the forensic analysis provided by Wisconsin and will help address the increased demand by the Wisconsin criminal justice community. nca/ncf