Bridging the Forensic Gap through Partnerships

The proposed program has three primary objectives. 1) Build capacity to support public crime laboratories by designing and testing applications of advanced technology for forensic services: a) by acquiring state-of-the-art equipment for research and to train current and future professionals for work in public crime laboratories; b) by assessing the capacity of the new equipment to solve forensic-related problems; and c) through the development of new course training materials reflecting improved methods of casework analysis and investigation.
2)Keep professionals abreast of changing technology and improved methods by developing and pilot-testing model in-service and distance-learning training curricula and materials in toxicology, firearms examination, and DNA analysis.

3)Improve public understanding of forensic services policy and practices through education activities and building cross-jurisdictional relationships. Use focus groups to identify current issues facing public crime laboratories and the related forensic concerns of the criminal justice system, and work with stakeholders to advance understanding and maintain cross-jurisdictional relationships and efforts.

nca/ncf