FY 2018 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program

To reduce the number of forensic DNA cases awaiting analysis, the nine Texas Department of Public Safety casework laboratories will work as a team to engage its 110 Forensic DNA Scientists and DNA Technicians to work examining evidence, developing DNA profiles, and then entering those forensic profiles into the CODIS DNA database. Funds are requested to continue the employment of fourteen grant funded FTEs. Ten of those FTEs are Forensic Biology/DNA Analysts and four of the FTEs are for Laboratory Technicians. In order to build capacity enhancement, the DPS is also planning to purchase four of the new generation of 24-capillary AB 3500XL genetic analyzers and ten AB 7500 series real-time PCR instruments. Finally, funding will be sued to purchase 6-dye licenses for the older AB 3130 series genetic Analyzers. The goal will be to complete the analysis of evidence on 2,400 backlogged forensic biology/DNA cases during the project period. In conjunction with this work, DNA scientists will continue their education by attending DNA training workshops to retain their proficiency, enhance their skills, and improve efficiency.

NCA/NCF