The state of wisconsin has two accredited laboratories that perform DNA analysis for all state and local law enforcement agencies

The Wisconsin Department of Justice was awarded a $1.4 million Formula Grant from the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance DNA Backlog Reduction Program (CFDA 16.741) for the period of October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2024. Funds will support Wisconsin's two accredited DNA laboratories to increase analysis capacity, reduce turnaround times, and help address the growing backlog. Specifically, the Wisconsin Division of Forensic Sciences will use the funding to send staff to national training events, maintain proficiency testing, outsource untested sexual assault kits, and upgrade or replace existing DNA analysis equipment. The goal is to maximize the operational effectiveness of Wisconsin's forensic DNA system and help ease the expanding demands placed on state and local law enforcement agencies.

Additionally, wisconsin state statute designates the wisconsin division of forensic sciences (DFS) as the agency responsible for conducting DNA analysis on all eligible offender samples. Over the last two years, the forensic DNA demands and case complexity in wisconsin have continued to rise without a corresponding boost in the budget. In addition, forensic laboratories nationwide, including wisconsin, have been impacted both budgetarily and operationally by the covid 19 pandemic. These challenges, combined with an insufficient budget, have negatively impacted both the turnaround time as well as the case backlog. Supporting an award for capacity enhancement and backlog reduction will improve wisconsin's ability to increase the number of samples analyzed, reduce the turnaround time, and increase entry of DNA profiles into the combined DNA index system. To accomplish these objectives, wisconsin will use the provided funds to attend national meetings and training seminars, maintain proficiency test requirements, outsource sexual assault kits, and replace, upgrade, or improve existing equipment. In conclusion, these funds will allow wisconsin to maximize the operational effectiveness of the forensic DNA system and will also help ease the expanding demands of the state and local law enforcement agencies.