The wake county bureau of forensic services (wcbfs) proposes the crime-lite enhancement project to improve the quality and efficiency of forensic evidence detection and examination

The Bureau of Justice Assistance awarded Wake County $202,766 on May 1, 2026, under the Paul Coverdell Forensic Sciences Improvement Grant Program (CFDA 16.742) to enhance forensic evidence detection and examination capabilities within the Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services.

The project, titled Crime-Lite Enhancement, funds the purchase and implementation of advanced crime-lite alternate light sources to replace outdated equipment with limited wavelength functionality. Wake County's forensic laboratory currently serves all law enforcement agencies within Wake County, North Carolina's capital county. The new systems will enable forensic analysts to detect trace, biological, and latent evidence with greater accuracy, speed, and reliability across a broader range of evidence types. Project activities include equipment acquisition, staff training on advanced features, and operational validation within the laboratory's quality system. Expected deliverables include increased sensitivity in evidence detection, improved documentation of forensic examinations, and reduced turnaround time for laboratory casework.

The period of performance runs through April 30, 2029, with place of performance in Raleigh, North Carolina. This is a project grant, classified as assistance funding rather than a procurement contract.

Wcbfs provides comprehensive forensic services to all law enforcement agencies within wake county, north carolinas capital county. As case submissions and evidentiary complexity continue to increase, the ability to locate and visualize trace, biological, and latent evidence efficiently is critical to maintaining high-quality forensic service delivery. The purpose of this project is to enhance the laboratorys evidence screening and examination capabilities through the acquisition of advanced crime-lite alternate light sources. These updated systems are necessary to replace outdated units with declining performance and limited wavelength functionality, which currently restrict the laboratorys ability to detect a full range of evidence types. This project will serve all law enforcement agencies within wake county by enabling forensic analysts to identify and document evidence with greater accuracy, speed, and reliability. Project activities include the purchase and implementation of new crime-lite units, staff training in their advanced features, and validation of the equipment for operational use within the laboratorys quality system. Expected deliverables include increased sensitivity in evidence detection, improved documentation of forensic examinations, and reduced turnaround time for laboratory casework. The anticipated outcome is an overall enhancement in the quality and timeliness of forensic science services consistent with the goals of the FY25 coverdell competitive program.