The state of wisconsin has two accredited laboratories that perform DNA analysis for all state and local law enforcement agencies

The Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) awarded a $1,382,351 Formula Grant under the Comprehensive Forensic DNA Analysis Grant Program (CFDA 16.036) to the Wisconsin Department of Justice (WI DOJ) on October 1, 2024. The grant will support the WI DOJ's two accredited forensic DNA laboratories that conduct analysis for all state and local law enforcement agencies in Wisconsin. Funding will be used to attend national meetings and training, maintain proficiency testing, outsource sexual assault kit analysis, and replace or upgrade equipment. This will help the WI DOJ's forensic labs increase the number of DNA samples analyzed, reduce turnaround times, and expand DNA profile entries into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) to support criminal investigations and prosecutions across the state.

Additionally, wisconsin state statute designates the wisconsin division of forensic sciences (DFS) as the agency responsible for conducting DNA analysis on all eligible offender samples. The forensic DNA demands and case complexity in wisconsin have continued to rise without a corresponding boost in the budget. In addition, forensic laboratories nationwide, including wisconsin, have been impacted both budgetarily and operationally by changes to sexual assault kit legislation. These challenges, combined with an insufficient budget, have negatively impacted both the turnaround time as well as the case backlog. Supporting an award for capacity enhancement for backlog reduction will improve wisconsins ability to increase the number of samples analyzed, reduce the turnaround time, and increase entry of DNA profiles into the combined DNA index system (codis). To accomplish these objectives, wisconsin will use the provided funds to attend national meetings and training seminars, maintain proficiency test requirements, outsource sexual assault kits, and replace, upgrade, or improve existing equipment. In conclusion, these funds will allow wisconsin to maximize the operational effectiveness of the forensic DNA system and will also help ease the expanding demands of the state and local law enforcement agencies.