The nassau county medical examiners office division of forensic services biology section proposes to implement the BJA FY24 formula DNA capacity enhancement for backlog reduction program

The Nassau County Medical Examiner's Office Division of Forensic Services Biology Section was awarded a $599,122 Formula Grant under the Comprehensive Forensic DNA Analysis Grant Program (CFDA 16.036) by the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). The grant funding will be used to maintain the laboratory's increased DNA processing capacity and reduce current turnaround time and backlog levels. Key project activities include supplementing personnel and fringe benefits, purchasing supplies and equipment, and procuring contracts to support a "test all" policy for property crime evidence with a focus on violent crimes. Expected outcomes include increasing the number of eligible DNA profiles entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), reducing the case review backlog and analysis turnaround to 40 days, and replacing and purchasing equipment to enhance sample throughput. The grant award period is from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2026.

The purpose is to maintain the increased level of capacity the laboratory has experienced in past programs and to reduce the current turnaround and backlog to levels suitable for laboratory customers. To meet the goals and objectives of this initiative, project activities include supplementing local funds for personnel and fringe benefits, supplies, equipment, and procurement contracts. Expected outcomes include: maintaining a test all policy for property crime evidence with an emphasis on the prioritization of violent crimes; increasing the number of eligible profiles entered in the combined DNA index system; the reduction of case review backlog and analysis turnaround to 40 days; and the replacement and purchase of equipment to increase the level of sample throughput. All parties related to the investigation of criminal events and missing persons within nassau county, new york are the intended beneficiaries of this project.