FY19 Paul Coverdell Base Formula Projects to Eliminate Forensic Backlog and Provide Forensic Training for New Mexico

The New Mexico Department of Public Safety (NMDPS) will use funding from the FY19 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program to facilitate the improvement of the quality and timeliness of statewide forensic science and medical examiner/coroner’s office services. The NMDPS’ project will impact four forensic science and medical examiner laboratories: the NMDPS Forensic Laboratories Bureau, the Albuquerque Police Metropolitan Forensic Science Center Evidence Unit, the New Mexico Department of Health Scientific Laboratory Division and the University of New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator. The funds will be used for the identified joint priorities within the Statewide Forensic Strategic Plan: overtime, outsourcing, and staff training. The laboratories aim to achieve an overall decrease in case backlogs and an increase in the number of trained staff in forensic science and medical examiner’s offices statewide.

NCA/NCF