FY 2015 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program - Improvement of Hawaii's Forensic Capacities

The Department of the Attorney General, the designated State Administering Agency (SAA), is seeking State formula (base) funding through the 2015 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program (Coverdell) to improve and enhance the quality and timeliness of forensic science services in Hawaii. The Department of the Attorney General is requesting $33,955 to support the Hawaii Police Department Crime Lab and Maui Police Department. Twenty-three thousand one hundred fifty-one dollars ($23, 151.00) will be utilized to support the Hawaii Police Department (HIPD) Crime Laboratory. HIPD seeks funding to obtain accreditation and train forensic laboratory personnel. The goal of this project is to ensure quality forensic services for Hawaii County. The two objectives are as follows: (1) Attain ASCLD/LAB accreditation in Drug Analysis to increase forensic services in Hawaii County in accordance with accepted standards and showcase the ability to produce precise and accurate test data, and (2) to acquire updated, face to face training for Crime Lab personnel to increase and update forensic disciplineknowledge and resources. Seven thousand four hundred ten dollars ($7,41 0) will be used to support the Maui Police Department's forensic services to purchase equipment which will increase the quality and productivity of forensic services in the State. The goal of this project to reduce the forensic analysis backlogs by removing samples which can be pre-screened at the scene and not included in requests for additional analysis. The projects objectives include: (1) to reduce the number of cases needing to go for confirmatory testing by the use of XCAT presumptive testing; and (2) to increase the number of personnel who are able to implement and use the XCAT portable machines.Three thousand three hundred ninety-four dollars ($3,394) will be utilized to support administrative costs for the Department of the Attorney General as the SAA. Funds willsupport a portion of the salary and associated fringe benefits cost for the staff responsible for overseeing the Coverdell funded contract. nca/ncf