Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2016, $71,530)
The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) is the acting State Administering Agency for the State of Nebraska. The Nebraska State Patrol Crime Laboratory (NSPCL) is a division within
the NSP. The NSPCL is accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory
Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB.) This application requests
$70,335 devoted to improving the quality and timeliness of forensic science services.
The funding will enable the NSPCL to satisfy important needs that will improve the
quality and timeliness of forensic laboratory services to law enforcement agencies in Nebraska in an efficient and effective manner.
The purchase of a Leeds Firearms and Toolmarks Comparison (LCF) Microscope with
these funds will improve case turnaround time by allowing multiple cases to be worked
simultaneously in the Firearms section. Concurrently working cases is a key factor in
backlog reductions and timely turnaround of cases. Presently, the analysts share
microscopes, which is inefficient due to the many adjustments to personalize the
equipment. Personalization includes inputting height, interpupillary distance, visual acuity (diopter settings), and ergonomic comfort settings.
The additional LCF microscope will reduce Firearms case turnaround time by allowing
each analyst to set the time-consuming adjustments once and work with the same
microscope daily. Furthermore, the purchase of an LCF microscope of the same
brand/style is needed for operational consistency, parts interchangeability, and to
coordinate microscope maintenance and recalibration.
nca/ncf