The governor's office of crime control and prevention is the state administering agency for the paul coverdell forensic science improvement grants program

This $374,464 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant Program (CFDA 16.742) award from the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) will support the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy in Maryland to enhance the quality, timeliness, and capabilities of the state's forensic science and medical examiner services.

The funding will be used to reduce backlogs related to latent print examination, firearms examination, and drug analysis, as well as purchase equipment to improve the quality and efficiency of forensic services statewide. Specifically, the grant will enable the state's forensic crime laboratories and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to address critical needs and enhance their ability to provide timely and accurate forensic analysis. This award, effective from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2026, is part of the BJA's efforts to strengthen forensic science infrastructure and support innovative solutions to emerging challenges facing state and local forensic service providers.

The use of coverdell funds is determined by the individual forensic laboratories and the office of the chief medical examiner based on the needs identified by the leadership of each of these agencies. This year funds will be distributed to the forensic crime laboratories and the chief medical examiner's office. Funds will be allocated to support backlog reduction and the purchase of equipment needed to improve laboratory efficiency. IT is anticipated that with coverdell support, the state of maryland will be able: to reduce backlogs related to latent print examination, firearms examination, and drug analysis and purchase equipment needed to improve the quality and efficiency of forensic services statewide.