FY 2018 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program

The State of Wisconsin has two accredited laboratories that are performing DNA Analysis for all state and local law enforcement agencies. Additionally, Wisconsin State Statute designates the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory Bureau (WSCLB) as the agency responsible for conducting DNA analysis on all eligible offender samples.

In 2017, the forensic DNA demands and case complexity in Wisconsin have continued to rise without a corresponding boost in the budget. These increasing demands, combined with an insufficient budget, have negatively impacted both the number of days between case submission and delivery of test results as well as the case backlog in the DNA Analysis Unit.

Grant funding will further Wisconsin’s ability to maintain high quality results, sustain a reasonable backlog of samples awaiting analysis by increasing the capacity, and to enter DNA profiles into the Combined DNA Index System. More specifically, to accomplish these objectives, Wisconsin will use the provided funds to attend national meetings and training seminars, maintain proficiency test requirements, as well as support four project positions, overtime, laboratory supply purchases, and equipment acquisitions.

In conclusion, these funds will allow Wisconsin to maximize the operational effectiveness of the forensic DNA system and will also help facilitate the increasing demands of the state and local law enforcement agencies.

NCA/NCF