FY 2015 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program - County of Ventura

In this grant application, the Ventura County Sheriff's Forensic Services Bureau (VCSFSB) is requesting funds to continue funding a fixed-term DNA position to help reduce the backlog. The DNA position was established seven years ago through this grant.

Senior examiners have been required to perform screening tests, which could be equally well performed by a junior person. The FSL would like to continue employment of a Forensic Scientist I/II in the DNA section, thereby allowing the senior staff to concentrate on the more complex DNA cases. This individual will help screen evidence and conduct DNA analysis.

The overall objective of this grant is to improve DNA analysis capacity and to reduce the number of backlogged DNA cases. The laboratory’s goals are 1) to reduce the turn around time from 222 days to 180 days between submission of a DNA sample to the laboratory to having a report written for the submitting agency. 2) To reduce the number of pending cases by 105 in the two-year grant period. This will result in an additional 35 to 50 DNA profiles being entered into CODIS with an anticipated result of twelve to seventeen CODIS hits.

nca/ncf.