Nebraska State Patrol - Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant Program - FY15

The Nebraska State Patrol Crime Laboratory (NSPCL) is accredited by the American society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board International program. The NSPCL is moving into a larger facility in late 2015. While no federal funds will be used for construction, the relocation has generated needs which cannot be met with existing State funds. The result of this project will be a demonstrated improvement in the quality and efficiency of forensic science services in Nebraska. The NSPCL is prepared to report the necessary data in support of Coverdell funding. Formula funds will be specifically dedicated to attendance at a national conference, for the purchase of equipment, supplies, software programming and technical reviews. The Quality Assurance Manager will attend the Association of Forensic Quality Assurance Managers conference. This conference provides education in the areas of audits, accreditation, calibration, proficiency testing, evidence handling and many other areas which directly affect the NSPCL's efficiencies. The equipment needs that will be addressed include analytical and top loader balances for use in the Controlled Substances section. One set of the balances will be used in the evidence area and the other in the reagent prep area. A Crime lite 82S will also be purchased which will increase the effectiveness and efficiency of lighting utilized in the Latent Section. Supplies, supported with base funding, will primarily include electronics and analytical tools. Technical reviews will be scheduled for the Trace sections which is a single person section.

nca/ncf