FY 2018 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program

The Columbus Police Crime Laboratory has gone through a period of adjustment in recent years. In 2015 we moved to a new laboratory which enabled us to add additional staff, equipment, and procedures. However, we also had a large backlog of cases that accumulated prior to our expansion and continued to grow while we were focused on training and validations. Now our laboratory is fully staffed and mostly fully trained, but we are still working on reducing our backlog of cases and reducing our turnaround time. We recently completed numerous validations which enabled us to streamline our processes. This grant's objectives will complement those from past DNA Backlog Reduction Program grants and will provide funding necessary to help decrease the backlog of cases that has resulted from years of limited staff and resources.

Federal funding from this award will be used for the following goals:
1. Reduce the DNA case backlog by purchasing supplies necessary to process DNA samples.
2. Provide the required annual continuing education for analysts which enables us to stay up to date with current requirements, methods, and policies within the DNA community.

The Columbus Police Crime Laboratory expects to reduce the DNA case backlog by at least 300 cases by the end of the award period. The turnaround time for DNA cases is expected to be reduced to 120 days or less.

NCA/NCF