The new hampshire department of justice (NH DOJ) is the state administrating agency authorized to administer u.s department of justice grant programs

The NH DOJ is submitting the FY 2023 paul coverdell forensic science improvement grant program-formula grant application on behalf of the state of new hampshire. According to the most recent new hampshire drug monitoring initiative data from the office of the chief medical examiner (ocme), 417 people died in 2020 from drug overdoses with 201 deaths already recorded as of september 16, 2021. These high number of deaths impact the workload on forensic services, making coverdell funding strategically important to the state ocme currently has only two pathologists employed, with one position vacant. This staffing shortage leads to pathologists taking on extra duties, creating an increase in backlog cases and an overall decreased efficiency. Funding to the ocme will support costs related to an evidence technician, who is responsible for the inventory and control of all specimens and physical evidence of ocme autopsies and external exam cases. This grant will continue to support costs related to an office manager, whose position assists with necessary clerical duties. These positions are crucial in keeping the backlog of cases down and allowing pathologists to focus on the required autopsies. Continued coverdell funding for the MDI log, which is a web-based case management software for medical examiners for the ocme, will help streamline the ocme data processes and enhance the forensic services with more detailed and easily accessible data tracking. The outcome of providing this funding to these only two established forensic laboratory systems that are capable of accreditation, would enhance the efficiency and accuracy of forensic services by funding essential training, continuing to fund existing ocme support staff, and the purchase of technology and supplies handle the increased workload and backlog of cases being faced by the state.