Delaware Coverdale Project to Address Increase in Opioid Cases and Fire Debris Analysis.

The Forensic Chemistry Unit (FCU) within DFS has seen a rise in the number of cases submitted for drug analysis being confirmed to contain fentanyl and fentalogs. Also fire debris analysis is still being outsourced due to the need for trained staff and specialized equipment.

The DFS is seeking 2018 Paul Coverdell Grant funds to purchase equipment used for processing seized drugs and fire debris cases and to provide training for FCU staff in fire debris analysis. The DFS will utilize the funds to purchase additional needed equipment and supplies to aid the Laboratory in analyzing the increased number of fentanyl and fentanyl analog cases as well as to upgrade instrumentation to process fire debris cases.

Funds requested in this application will increase the timeliness and efficiency of the DFS – Forensic Chemistry Unit by providing the State with fire debris case analysis capabilities, additional accreditation and eliminating the need to outsource these cases, purchasing upgraded equipment and installing additional safety measures to protect the FCU from the health threats associated with analyzing opioid cases.

The goal is to equip DFS with the necessary items to operate efficiently and therefore improve case processing and create substantial cost benefits to Delaware.

nca/ncf