This project addresses the problem of unsolved criminal cases, particularly violent ones, due to non-existent or non-cooperative witnesses or lack of physical evidence

The U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, awarded a $380,521 Project Grant under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (CFDA 16.738) to Dutchess County Of Inc, a local government in Poughkeepsie, New York. The grant supports enhancing the county's ability to collect and utilize digital evidence to improve the prosecution of violent crimes where witness cooperation or physical evidence is lacking. Specific activities include improving the criminal justice system's capacity for digital evidence collection, analysis, and presentation at trial. The project aims to address challenges posed by the increasing reliance on technology in society, which has resulted in a growing volume of digital evidence relevant to criminal investigations and prosecutions. The 2-year grant period runs from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2025.

IT also recognizes societys increased use of, and reliance upon, technology, resulting in increased amounts of digital evidence created. The project also enhances the ability of the prosecution to make a more thorough presentation and argument at trial.