Given the success and subsequent increased demand for supporting DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) evidence, timely DNA processing of evidence for less violent crime types such as felons in possession of…

The Payne County Sheriff's Office was awarded a $205,000 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance under the Congressionally Recommended Awards program (CFDA 16.753). The grant will fund the implementation of a Rapid DNA Investigative Leads Program in partnership with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations. The program aims to automate the DNA testing process for single-source and reference samples, enabling the generation of timely investigative leads, faster suspect identification, and improved operational efficiencies for law enforcement and the forensic crime laboratory. Expected outcomes include enhanced investigative capabilities, increased public safety, strengthened criminal justice outcomes, and long-term cost savings. The project activities include implementing policies and procedures, purchasing and installing Rapid DNA systems, integrating the systems with a secure network, conducting end-to-end testing, and providing personnel training. The grant award period is from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.

Given the success and subsequent increased demand for supporting DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) evidence, timely DNA processing of evidence for less violent crime types such as felons in possession of firearms, felony narcotics cases, and other criminal investigations is impacted. These delays can lead to slower or missed suspect identification; inefficient or missed investigative leads, lower solve rates, and compromise public safety. The payne county sheriffs office proposes to implement a rapid DNA investigative leads program in partnership with the oklahoma state bureau of investigations to automate the testing process for single-source and reference samples to help generate timely investigative leads, eliminate and identify suspects, avoid unnecessary arrests and make swift identifications of unidentified human remains improving investigative and operational efficiencies and outcomes for both law enforcement and the forensic crime laboratory. Additionally, community relationships shall improve when potential suspects are quickly eliminated and identified with forensic science methods that minimize the potential for racial and other socio-economic biases. All of these benefits serve public safety and help create safer communities. Project activities include implementing policies and procedures that adhere to the non-codis rapid DNA considerations and best practices for law enforcement use; purchase and installation of the rapid DNA systems; integration of the rapid DNA information to a dedicated, secure network; end-to-end integration testing; personnel training; and program management/ coordination with supporting and participating agencies to ensure the highest quality program. Expected outcomes include ensuring adherence to non-codis rapid DNA considerations and best practices, enhanced investigative leads, increased operational efficiency, improved public safety, strengthened criminal justice outcomes and longer-term tax dollar savings. Additionally, implementing the rapid DNA programs will help ease the burden on the laboratory to focus on more complex casework and operational and technology enhancements. All of which will benefit the residents of the payne county, the surrounding region, and ultimatelyall residents of the state of oklahoma.