The missouri department of public safety proposes to implement the FY 2024 paul coverdell forensic science improvement grant (PCNFS)

The Missouri Department of Public Safety has been awarded a $375,427 Formula Grant under the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant Program (CFDA 16.742). The grant funding will enable the state to implement a comprehensive plan to improve the quality, timeliness, and capabilities of forensic science services provided by Missouri's crime laboratories. Key initiatives include providing professional training and certification for forensic science personnel, as well as purchasing necessary equipment and supplies to safely handle and analyze drug evidence, with a focus on addressing the opioid crisis. The grant aims to directly enhance the competency, knowledge, and abilities of forensic examiners across the state's crime laboratories, which are operated by both state and local government entities. This project will help ensure that Missouri's crime laboratories are equipped to deliver high-quality, timely forensic services that support effective law enforcement and the criminal justice system.

The purpose of the program will help assure the citizens of missouri that their crime laboratories are committed to providing timely, high-quality forensic science services utilizing state-of-the-art methodologies performed by qualified scientists. Professional training and the availability of necessary equipment and supplies is a vital component of missouris statewide plan to improve the delivery and quality of forensic science services provided by its crime laboratories. The missouri department of public safety (DPS) will coordinate project activities with the missouri association of crime laboratory directors (MACLD) to use missouri's funding to provide forensic science training and certification for the personnel of missouri's crime laboratories, as well as to purchase equipment and supplies for both opioid and non-opioid related activities. Expected outcomes include: directly improving the quality and timeliness of forensic science services provided to the law enforcement community of missouri by increasing examiner proficiency, competency, knowledge, skills, and abilities. This project involves all of missouri's crime laboratories - those operated by units of local government and those operated by the state. Crime laboratories have unprecedented potential to solve crimes and contribute to the prosecution of criminals and the exoneration of the innocent. To take full advantage of this potential, the missouri crime laboratories are committed to employing well-trained, competent scientific personnel. The laboratories are aware of the increased hazard of some opioid-related compounds and will also use the funds supplies and personal protective equipment essential to safely handle and analyze drug evidence.