FY 2018 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program

The District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) is the Cabinet-level agency tasked with forensic science laboratory, crime scene sciences, and public health laboratory services in the District of Columbia.

Within the Forensic Science Laboratory, DNA cases are analyzed by the Forensic Biology Unit (FBU). The Federal funding from the FY 2018 Capacity Enhancement Program and Backlog Reduction (CEBR) program will be used for the goals of reducing the backlog of forensic biology cases by increasing laboratory capacity.

In order to meet these goals, the DFS plans to use the grant award to fund five full time positions to include one Forensic Science Technician, three Forensic Scientists I, and a Casework Liaison for one year. This funding will enhance capacity by employing three additional scientists to report casework submitted to the unit for testing and allow for additional capacity (via outsourcing) should surges in casework requests occur. Laboratory capacity will be further enhanced by improving efficiency – efficiency is improved by funding one Technician and one Liaison to complete routine laboratory and case intake functions thereby increasing capacity allowing Scientists to focus on casework tasks.

NCA/NCF