2015 U.S. Virgin Islands Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant Program

This proposal is being submitted by the Virgin Islands Department of Justice (VIDOJ) to receive funding under the 2015 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvements Grant Program. Funding from this grant will continue to assist VIDOJ in enhancing the forensic science services of the United States Virgin Islands and further build on past funding awards from the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program. Specifically, funding will assist in improving the quality, quantity and timeliness of forensic science services in the territory. Currently, the Department is completing the build out of a crime lab in the Virgin Islands. The overall impact of not having a complete crime lab in the territory is evident with trials that have been delayed due to evidence not being analyzed in a timely manner. The successful investigation and prosecution of crimes requires, in most cases, the timely collection, preservation and accurate forensic analysis of evidence, which is critical in demonstrating the defendant’s guilt or innocence. Funding support from the National Institute of Justice will assist in implementing institutional changes that will be evident through the enhanced operations of VIDOJs forensic science services. nca/ncf