The oklahoma state bureau of investigation (osbi) proposes to implement the FY24 formula DNA capacity enhancement for backlog reduction program

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) was awarded a $667,431 Formula Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance under the Comprehensive Forensic DNA Analysis Grant Program (CFDA 16.036). The grant will be used to implement the FY24 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program. The primary objectives are to increase OSBI's capacity to process DNA samples, reduce the backlog of forensic DNA cases and Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) offender samples, and maintain a 30-day turnaround time for DNA analysis. Grant activities include funding for DNA analysts and overtime, outsourcing forensic cases, purchasing equipment and supplies, and upgrading laboratory information management systems. These efforts aim to improve OSBI's ability to provide quality forensic DNA services to law enforcement agencies across Oklahoma, supporting criminal investigations and prosecutions.

The purpose is for the osbi forensic biology discipline, which consists of three distinct forensic biology casework units and one combined DNA index system (codis) databasing unit, to conduct DNA analysis to process and/or increase the capacity to process more DNA samples for entry into codis. This will reduce the number of forensic and database DNA samples awaiting analysis and preventing a backlog of forensic DNA cases and codis offender samples across the state of oklahoma. The everchanging dynamic of state government funding directly impacts the osbis operating budget, often in a reduction of funding that limits the ability of the osbi to provide quality services in forensic and databasing DNA analysis.funding will assist the osbi in continuing its mission to provide quality forensic casework and codis databasing DNA services to agencies across oklahoma; without which, osbi may have to reduce services provided to agencies throughout the state. The osbi seeks to increase casework productivity, decrease overall turnaround time and backlog of forensic DNA cases, maintain current productivity of codis offender DNA sample analysis, and increase capacity of DNA personnel through the project.therefore, primary project activities include funding technicians and overtime for personnel; outsourcing forensic cases to accredited vendor laboratories; purchasing additional equipment to replace aging equipment to accommodate the personnel hired by osbi in the past few years; and purchasing codis supplies. All of which would not be achieved outside of the project due to budget shortfalls and constraints. Expected outcomes include a capacity increase and reduction in the number of forensic DNA cases and DNA database samples awaiting analysis, leading to prevention of both casework and database unit backlogs and allowing for the osbi to provide a 30-day turnaround time for the DNA analysis of forensic cases and database samples.improved (increased) casework productivity, lower turnaround times and backlog, and capacity increase can all be achieved through the project activities funded under this program. The service area of the osbi is mandated by state statute directing osbi to provide forensic services (casework and database) in criminal cases to all eligible agencies in the state of oklahoma. As such, the people of the state of oklahoma are the intended beneficiaries of the project.