FY 2018 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program

The DuPage County Forensic Science Center (DCFSC) is a full-service forensic science laboratory that analyzes evidence items from over 40 law enforcement agencies within DuPage County, Illinois. The DNA Section is an NDIS-participating laboratory and offers DNA analysis utilizing STRs and Y-STRs. Funds are requested to fund overtime and one part-time DNA analyst, provide equipment and supplies needed for additional casework, and fund continuing education for the DNA analysts. These objectives will enable the laboratory to increase capacity, decrease turnaround times and maintain a low backlog. Overtime will be used specifically during periods of increased submissions or decreased staffing, when it is necessary to prevent a backlog.

An additional part-time DNA analyst will directly impact capacity and turnaround time. The capacity of the laboratory will be increased by purchasing supplies that otherwise might not be possible to purchase, decreasing bottlenecks that occur while waiting for county funds for supplies to become available. Capacity will also be positively impacted by the purchase of an additional liquid handling robot. The purchase of a new platform rotator and a robot to aid in differential extractions will improve laboratory processes. Continuing education will improve the analysts' scientific expertise and enable the laboratory to comply with QAS requirements.

NCA/NCF