Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant FY19 - Utah Department of Public Safety

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is requesting FY19 Coverdell funds for the Utah Bureau of Forensic Services (UBFS), the Intermountain West Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory (IWRCFL), the Utah Bureau of Forensic Toxicology (UBFT), and the Salt Lake City Police Department Crime Laboratory (SLCPD CL). Funding will be used to target four pressing issues in both opioid and non-opioid related areas: manpower, supplies and equipment maintenance, training, and accreditation. Funding will retain a part-time Program Specialist at the IWRCFL and a part-time Forensic Scientist at the UBFS. The IWRCFL requests funding for computers and supplies, and the UBFT will purchase consumables, supplies and repair kits to perform maintenance on scientific instruments used for analysis of opioids and other controlled substances. Funds will be used for training in the UBFS, IWRCFL, and UBFT so that analysts can maintain expertise and certification. The SLCPD CL will also use funding for accreditation. Utilizing Coverdell funds in this manner will help to improve the quality, efficiency, and timeliness of forensic science services for the State of Utah. NCA/NCF