U.S. flag

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

Democrats have shut down the government. Department of Justice websites are not currently regularly updated. Please refer to the Department of Justice’s contingency plan for more information.

Forensic DNA Education for Law Enforcement Decisionmakers

Funding Concerns

Home  |  Glossary  |  Resources  |  Help  |  Contact Us  |  Course Map
 

Interacting With Crime Laboratories

Funding Concerns

zoomed in photo of a pie chart
National Institute of Justice (NIJ) (see reuse policy).

Funding concerns affect every agency and crime laboratory in the country. Addressing these concerns requires the development of a comprehensive approach with best practices that take into consideration the multitude of factors that influence funding and budget allocations. These best practices may include the following:

  • Determine/assess resource needs9,10
  • Identify available funding sources
  • Develop a collective MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team) to obtain funding that includes local, federal and state law enforcement; prosecution agencies; and local advocacy groups
  • Actively work with local advocacy groups to engage the community
  • Provide an accurate assessment of the backlog and possible remedies
  • Work with the public information office to develop a media strategy
  • Engage the legislature through an active liaison
  • Get involved in the legislative process through understanding earmarked funding, investigative protocols and tracking cold case hits
  • Develop a sustainability strategy and gain organizational commitment to that strategy

 

9 National Conference of State Legislatures: Database of DNA Laws: Federal Funding Sources »
10 National Institute of Justice Funding »

Back Forward