FY 2015 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program (Tulsa Police Department)

The Tulsa Police Department Forensic Laboratory (TPDFL) is responsible for analyzing evidential material associated with criminal investigations for the Tulsa Police Department within the City of Tulsa. The TPDFL has a fully operational existing forensic DNA casework section that undergoes external quality assurance audits in accordance with the FBI’s Quality Assurance Standards at least once every two years and is accredited under the ASCLD/LAB-International Testing Program.

The Federal funding from this award will be used for the following goals:

1. Increase capacity by purchasing equipment, validation supplies, hire an additional analyst, and programming hours for LIMS improvement for the Biology section.
2. Provide travel for existing DNA analysts to meet their continuing education requirements.
3. Decrease the backlog of the Biology section through overtime for current analysts.

The TPDFL expects to reduce the DNA case backlog even with an influx of missing person and unidentified human remains cases through the use of this grant funding.

nca/ncf.