Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2019, $272,275)
The Montana Department of Justice, Forensic Science Division is requesting funds to improve both forensic analyses services and the death investigation system. A portion of funds will be applied to addressing the growing needs associated with the testing and analysis of opioids and to fortify collaboration between the Medical Examiner Office and county coroners by providing resources and training support. Objectives for this grant proposal are to: 1) Provide training for Forensic Scientists; 2) Provide new precision balances and replace a condenser evaporator solvent turbovap; 3) Maintain and expand standard laboratory supplied in two facilities; 4) Acquire opioid drug standards and supplies for a new toxicology method; 5) Acquire reference books regarding death investigation procedures for Coroner Offices; 6) Procure an out-of-state consultant to present at Advanced Coroner Trainings regarding the opioid crisis; 7) Maintain and expand the laboratory information management system, JusticeTrax; and 8) Support American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) certification for two (2) Montana county coroners by paying their application and exam fees. NCA/NCF