U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

Kansas Federal NIJ FY 17 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program

Award Information

Award #
2017-CD-BX-0045
Location
Congressional District
Status
Closed
Funding First Awarded
2017
Total funding (to date)
$108,332

Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2017, $108,332)

Problem Description: The Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center (SCRFSC) serves as the Crime Laboratory and Medical Examiner’s Office for all of Sedgwick County law enforcement agencies and provides forensic services to many of the contiguous counties.

A significant challenge is the aging analytical infrastructure and the inability to acquire replacement and/or new technology that will allow the laboratory to, at a minimum, maintain a flat case backlog. This funding will allow the laboratory to acquire equipment to assist with maintenance of the analytical infrastructure, allowing the laboratory to address this critical challenge, providing some relief to the backlog and prevent further erosion.

The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office Criminalistics Laboratory (JCCL) is a full-service ASCLD/LAB-International accredited forensic science laboratory serving all law enforcement and fire agencies within the county, as well as federal law enforcement agencies within the Kansas City metro area. This funding will be used to fund overtime for personnel in the Firearm and Toolmark Section to reduce the backlog of cases awaiting examination.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation Forensic Science Laboratory (KBI) is requesting to use these grant funds to provide opportunities for scientists and other laboratory staff to attend training conferences and specialized training to increase job knowledge and remain current with new technology and mandates. The funding will also assist certified forensic scientists with training opportunities to meet minimal continuing education hours to maintain certification requirements.

Project Goals: Goal 1 – Maintain and enhance analytical capabilities and efficiencies. Goal 2 – Improve the timeliness of forensic services by reducing the backlog of cases. Goal 3 – Train forensic scientists and offer continuing education hours for certification. Strategies and Partnerships: The three Kansas crime labs have collaborated to submit an application that meets each of their needs.

nca/ncf

Date Created: September 29, 2017