The richland county sheriffs department is currently seeking funds to enhance its capacity for DNA analysis through the DNA backlog reduction program formula grant FY24

The Richland County Sheriff's Department was awarded a $242,921 Formula Grant under the Comprehensive Forensic DNA Analysis Grant Program (CFDA 16.036) administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). The grant aims to enhance the department's capacity for DNA analysis and reduce the backlog of DNA cases. Key objectives include maintaining current analyst throughput of 54 samples per month, which would otherwise be reduced by 30% without the grant-funded full-time analyst and technician positions. The grant will also support annual training for the DNA analysts to meet continuing education requirements. This two-year grant award runs from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2026, and is intended to improve the department's forensic capabilities and contribute to the overall reduction of violent and non-violent crimes in Richland County.

With the implementation of this grant, the following goals will be achieved: reduction of backlogged DNA cases and increase laboratory capacity with the objective of an overall reduction in violent and nonviolent crimes in richland county through a continuation of current analyst throughput (54 samples/month).without the grant funded RE-employment of the full-time analyst and the full-time technician, laboratory case throughput will be reduced by approximately 30 percent. The project plan/method is to utilize the grant funded full-time analyst and full-time technician along with the two county funded full-time DNA analysts and existing laboratory infrastructure to enhance casework capabilities.annual training for the DNA analysts will allow for required continuing education.