NIJ FY 09 Forensic DNA Unit Efficiency Improvement
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office

It is proposed that a central Biology Processing Laboratory (BPL) be developed in an existing space within the Boca Raton Police Services Department (BRPSD) to pre-screen crime scene evidence for southern Palm Beach County law enforcement agencies. The BRPSD BPL will process evidence for the confirmation of blood and semen, determine through microscopic analysis of hair if DNA analysis should be attempted and swab items for touch DNA evidence. All informative evidence will then be submitted to the PBSO FBU unit for DNA analysis. Evidence prescreened at the BPL will be prioritized for PBSO DNA analyst assignment. Grant funding would be used for renovations such as plumbing, flooring, lighting, security, sprinkler systems, telecommunications and information technology systems laboratory screening supplies, laboratory office supplies, and salaries and benefits for two entry level Laboratory Analysts. The BPL Laboratory Analysts will undergo a comprehensive training program by the Technical Leader of the accredited PBSO FBU. nca/ncf