FY 2021 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program (Formula)

The Denver Police Department (DPD) Crime Laboratory serves the City and County of Denver by using forensic technology to solve crime, thereby increasing public safety. The DPD Crime Laboratory Forensic Biology and DNA (FBIO-DNA) Unit seeks federal support to achieve its goal to increase the capacity of the Unit to process more DNA samples.

The first core objective is to increase the number of forensic DNA samples processed by the FBIO-DNA Unit and it will be achieved through the following deliverables: (1) Provide forensic scientists overtime to conduct forensic DNA casework and will reduce its backlog by completing at least 225 cases. (2) Continue the employment of a full-time Forensic Laboratory Technician for a period of 12 months. (3) Continue the employment of a part-time Administrative Support Assistance for a period of 12 months. (4) Employ a full-time Forensic Scientist I for a period of three months. (5) Send two analysts to the 2022 International Symposium on Human Identification in Washington, D.C. (6) Send two CODIS Administrators and one Technical Leader to the 2022 Annual CODIS Meeting/TL Summit in Phoenix, AZ.  (7) Send two analysts to the 2023 American Academy of Forensic Sciences conference in Orlando, FL.  (8) Host an internal statistical training for STRmix™ for its Analysts.

The second core objective is to reduce forensic DNA case turnaround times for the Unit and it will be achieved via the following deliverable: (1) Increase its analytical capacity by purchasing one additional license for STRmix™.

By implementing these measures, the DPD Crime Laboratory will target a significant

backlog of all case types (including property crimes, sexual assaults, and homicides) and

comply with national quality assurance standards.