Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2018, $469,542)
The West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory (WVSPFL) operates one centralized forensic DNA casework laboratory throughout the state and is the agency which is responsible for analyzing evidential material associated with criminal investigations for all state and local law enforcement agencies within the state of West Virginia. The West Virginia State Code Chapter 15, Section 2B designates the WVSPFL as the agency responsible for the upload of DNA profiles obtained from individuals convicted of certain crimes in the state to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).
The West Virginia State Police has limited discretionary funds to address the needs of seven disciplines within the laboratory. Therefore, the NIJ funding through this grant will enable the WVSPFL to fulfill mandated continuing education requirements for DNA analysts as well as maintain the capabilities of the laboratory by funding certain calibration services and an external DNA audit in order to maintain accreditation. As a byproduct, the limited State Police funds can be used to address the needs of the remaining disciplines of the laboratory. NCA/NCF