FY 2019 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program - Onondaga County

The Center for Forensic Sciences - Forensic Laboratories is located within the Onondaga County Health Department; law enforcement agencies throughout the County submit evidence for analysis and testimony is provided as necessary. This project proposes to continue to fund the position of DNA Validation Specialist within the Forensic Biology/DNA Section for the purposes of performing validation studies on new analytical instrumentation, software, and laboratory methods. This will enable the analysts to focus on performing casework analysis and will bring newer technologies and methods to the section in a more timely fashion. The Forensic Biology/DNA Section will also use this award to fund overtime hours for analysts to increase throughput by increasing total bench hours and reduce the backlog by outsourcing sexual assault kits (SAKs). Other capacity enhancements include purchasing equipment to replace outdated equipment, proficiency tests, and to meet continuing education requirements for analysts.

NCA/NCF