BJA FY 21 DNA capacity enhancement for backlog reduction (cebr) program

The Rhode Island Department of Health received a $404,188 Formula Grant award from the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance under the DNA Backlog Reduction Program (CFDA 16.741) for the period of October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2023. The funding will assist the state in increasing DNA laboratory capacity and reducing the backlog of untested DNA samples in both casework and database sections. As the awardee, the Rhode Island Department of Health will apply the funding to provide DNA analysis services that help law enforcement identify suspects, link unsolved crimes to serial offenders, and exonerate the innocent through analysis of untested DNA evidence samples. The state agency will oversee delivery of these services to help achieve the goals of the federal DNA Backlog Reduction Program to support eligible states and local governments in reducing DNA sample testing backlogs.