FY 2015 DNA Backlog Reduction Grant - San Francisco

The San Francisco Police Department Criminalistics Laboratory (SFPD Crime Lab) is the agency that is responsible for analyzing evidential material associated with criminal investigations for the local law enforcement agencies. The SFPD has one crime lab that primarily services the City and County of San Francisco Police Department, as well as the Sheriff's Department and other local law enforcement agencies operating within the City and County of San Francisco.

The SFPD is facing budgetary constraints related to its operational budget for equipment purchases, laboratory instruments and training. The Federal funding from this award will be used for the following goals:

1.Reduce the forensic biology/DNA case backlog by improving efficiency of screening evidence through purchase of additional tables and chairs for expansion of serology space and improve efficiency of interpretation by purchase of STR Mix.

2.Reduce bottles necks in DNA analysis by purchase of an additional Qiagen EZ1 XL advanced extraction robot and Qiacubes for automated Differential washes.

3.Improve efficiency of DNA operations by validation of termination of low/ no DNA samples after quantification by a Marshall University summer intern student.

4.Providing the continuing education required for each DNA analyst.

5.Providing overtime for DNA casework

The SFPD can expect to reduce the DNA backlog by increasing efficiency and optimizing the case turn-around time. By the end of this award period, the turn-around time is expected to be reduced to 150 days or less.

nca/ncf.