Backlog Reduction Funding Programs
Two programs, administered by the National Institute of Justice, offer funding for the reduction of the DNA backlog:
Forensic DNA Backlog Reduction Program
The goal of NIJ's Forensic DNA Backlog Reduction Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 is to assist eligible States and units of local government to reduce forensic DNA sample turnaround time, increase the throughput of public DNA laboratories, and reduce DNA forensic casework backlogs. These improvements are critical to preventing future DNA backlogs and to helping the criminal justice system use the full potential of DNA technology.
Eligible States and units of local government may request funds to increase the capacity of their existing crime laboratories that conduct DNA analysis in order to analyze DNA samples more efficiently and cost effectively. Eligible applicants also may request funds to handle, screen, and analyze backlogged forensic DNA casework samples.
Convicted Offender/Arrestee DNA Backlog Reduction Program
This program offers states with existing laboratories that conduct DNA analysis of convicted offender and/or arrestee DNA samples to reduce their backlog of such samples through in-house analysis or by sending samples to accredited fee-for-service laboratories for analysis. Funding from this program can be used in two ways:
- Outsourcing contracts—Sending convicted offender samples to private laboratories for analysis.
- Grants—Funding for in-house analysis of convicted offender and arrestee samples, to assist with data review of DNA profiles developed by an outsourcing laboratory, or to outsource sample testing to an accredited fee for service laboratory.
