The department of public safety, office of criminal justice assistance is requesting funding from the paul coverdell forensic science improvement formula grant

The Nevada Department of Public Safety, Office of Criminal Justice Assistance has been awarded a $312,708 Formula Grant under the FY 2023 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant Program (CFDA 16.742) by the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance. The grant will be sub-awarded to three forensic crime labs in Nevada - the Las Vegas Metro Forensic Lab, Washoe County Sheriff's Office Forensic Science Division, and Henderson Police Department Forensic Lab.

The Las Vegas Metro Forensic Lab will receive $166,388 to send 9 staff members to scientific trainings, purchase service contracts for analytical instruments, and upgrade calibration systems and reference materials. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office Forensic Science Division will receive $92,325 to provide new and existing staff with specialized training, continuing education, and needed supplies. The Henderson Police Department Forensic Lab will receive $43,995 to fund training and development for their scientists to improve accuracy, reliability, and efficiency of forensic services. The funding aims to enhance the quality, timeliness, and capabilities of forensic science and medical examiner/coroner services across Nevada.

The funding will be sub awarded to three (3) forensic crime labs in the state of nevada. LAS vegas metro forensic lab will be sub-granted sending nine (9) members of the forensic laboratory will attend scientific meetings and trainings to obtain the latest information in their respective fields. The chemistry detail will purchase a service contract for an existing gas chromatograph infrared spectroscopy instrument, two hydroinert sources and other supplies. The latent print detail will purchase a service contract for a vacuum metal deposition instrument to enhance the ability to recover prints from fired cartridge cases. A certain amount of overtime to reduce backlog afis cases. The toxicology detail will upgrade calibration system to ensure quality of cases analyzed. Reference material will also be purchased for cannabinoids method validation. Washoe county sheriff's office, forensic science division will be sub-granted for education and training opportunities. The funding will provide new staff to receive specialized training and existing staff to be provided on-going training and continuing education. The funds will also be utilized to purchase needed supplies. Henderson police department forensic lab will be sub-granted for training and development of their scientists, to provide accurate and reliable results with improving efficiency in the lab.