FY 2018 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program

The Denver Police Department (DPD) Crime Laboratory serves the City and County of Denver by using forensic technology to solve crime, thereby increasing public safety.

The DPD Crime Laboratory DNA and Forensic Biology (DNA-FBIO) unit seeks federal support to achieve three goals: 1) to reduce the number of cases backlogged throughout the FY 2018 grant period; 2) to increase laboratory capacity by employing a full-time forensic laboratory technician and a part-time administrative support assistant; and 3) to fulfill continuing education requirements specified in the DNA Quality Assurance Standards for five DNA-FBIO analysts and staff.

The laboratory will meet these goals by way of the following objectives: 1) Provide forensic scientist overtime to support the forensic biology examination and in-house DNA processing, interpretation and review of 225 backlogged cases, 2) Decrease DNA data analysis times by using high-definition large screen monitors, 3) Continue the employment of a full-time Forensic Laboratory Technician for 7 months to complete laboratory support duties and prepare samples for DNA analysis, 4) Increase capacity by employing a parttime Administrative Support Assistant for 12 months to manage the tasks associated with FBIO-DNA casework and to directly support the CODIS unit and, 5) Provide training opportunities for five forensic scientists to meet their annual continued education requirements specified in the FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories.

By implementing these measures, the DPD Crime Laboratory will target a significant backlog of all case types (including property crimes, sexual assaults and homicides) and comply with national quality assurance standards regarding continuing education.

NCA/NCF