IT is the goal of the arkansas state crime laboratory (ascl) to use the ascl FY24 DNA capacity enhancement for backlog reduction program - formula award to maintain and supplement the…

The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory (ASCL) was awarded a $1,011,697 Formula Grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) under the Comprehensive Forensic DNA Analysis Grant Program (CFDA 16.036). The goal of this grant is to maintain and supplement ASCL's nationally-recognized sample throughput and efficiency while decreasing the number of backlogged DNA cases. Specifically, the grant funding will be used to maintain seven DNA analyst positions, including salaries, benefits, and training; purchase critical analysis supplies; and outsource backlogged non-violent crime samples to vendor laboratories. This funding aims to support ASCL's efforts to reduce the DNA processing backlog and increase capacity for CODIS sample entry, which are critical for improving evidence-based criminal investigations and prosecutions across Arkansas.

IT is the goal of the arkansas state crime laboratory (ascl) to use the ascl FY24 DNA capacity enhancement for backlog reduction program - formula award to maintain and supplement the nationally-recognized sample throughput and efficiency while decreasing the number of backlogged DNA cases. The objective is to utilize the funds provided in this solicitation to maintain the current levels of forensic biology staffing, purchase of additional supplies, and fund outsourcing of non-violent crime samples to vendor laboratories for backlog reduction. The ascl continues to face the challenge of a significant backlog from before the staff had grown to its current levels sufficient to address submissions. Efforts over many years have resulted in the ascl achieving national recognition for efficiency with both funding and per analyst capacity. However, historically insufficient staffing due to turnover and long lead times for DNA analyst training have prevented meaningful gains in backlog reduction. Over the last year, efforts by the state have led to a 25 percent increase in trained forensic DNA staff numbers which raises the possibility that backlog reduction may finally be within the capability of the lab. As a result of this significant increase in trained staffing, a shortage in critical analysis supplies is anticipated. There also remains three analyst trainees and two open analyst positions. With this application, the ascl is requesting funds to maintain seven DNA analyst positions, including salaries, benefits, laboratory supplies, and continued training. Additionally, the laboratory is requesting funds to send backlogged non-violent crime samples to vendor laboratories while analysts remain in training.