FY2012 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program Abstracts

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FY12 Recipient Name: Alaska Department of Public Safety

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0056

Award Amount: $63,517

Abstract: The goals of this project are to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science and 

medical legal death investigation services provided by the State of Alaska Department of Public Safety's 

Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory (SCDL) and State of Alaska Department of Health and Social 

Services State Medical Examiner’s Office (SMEO) to Alaska's law enforcement agencies and to eliminate 

or drastically reduce backlogs in the analysis of forensic evidence. 

The objectives for this project are to: 

1. Maintain the accuracy, reliability, and credibility of results obtained through forensic analysis of 

samples submitted for identification, and the accurate determination of cause and manner of 

death.

2. Decrease the number of days between submission of a sample and delivery of test results to the 

requesting agency.

3. Eliminate/reduce the backlog of samples and unidentified human remains awaiting forensic 

analysis. 

The Alaska Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory and State Medical Examiner’s Office proposes to use 

FFY 2012 Coverdell grant funds to provide training for staff who are directly and substantially involved 

in providing forensic science services, purchase of equipment directly related to scientific analysis, and to 

offset the cost of the external accreditation assessment and costs related to annual proficiency tests for 

analysts. 

These items and activities will support the achievement of the goals and objectives of this project.

FY12 Recipient Name: Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0006

Award Amount: $109,915

Abstract: The ADFS plans to utilize the FY2012 Paul Coverdell National Forensic Science 

Improvement Act (NFSIA) “Formula Grant Program” funds to improve its network capability through 

improved communication speed, its analysis capability through additional laboratory supplies, and its 

technical capability through increased knowledge and skills learned by the ADFS’s personnel and 

updated operations implemented in its laboratories. Specifically, the ADFS plans to use these funds to 

attain the goals of (1) improving upon the capabilities of the ADFS’s laboratory information management 

system (LIMS) Information Technology (IT) network by replacing five antiquated network switches, (2) 

aiding in the reduction of case backlogs via the purchase of morgue and laboratory supplies to be utilized 

performing autopsies and scientific analysis/ casework, and (3) providing cost-effective training for 

ADFS internal staff, forensic students, and law enforcement agencies by facilitating the transmission of 

technical forensic information via seminars, administrative conferences, and meetings, as well as 

providing training for state-level and federal-level court testimony that will allow the ADFS to make an 

immediate impact on its abilities to correctly address pending court cases, enhance departmental 

operations, provide local law enforcement agencies with improved crime scene processing, forensic 

analysis and investigation services, and produce competent work products from its employees. By 

attaining these goals, the ADFS will continue implementing its plan to provide its personnel and 

laboratories with sufficient equipment and resource materials that will improve the ADFS’s ability to 

address the forensic science needs throughout the State.
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FY12 Recipient Name: Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0060

Award Amount: $67,238

Abstract: The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory is proposing to use the funding received for training of 

laboratory personnel. 

The objective is to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner services. 

The goals for achieving this objective are: 

1. To increase the analysts’ knowledge of new methods and instrumentation and keep the analyst 

abreast with the latest forensic techniques and trends.

2. Fulfill the laboratory’s training requirements to remain accredited and demonstrate to the 

general public and the criminal justice system that the laboratory output is of the highest quality 

and that the procedures used meet established standards.

The strategy for completing this project is to provide funding for analysts/examiners to attend training in 

their discipline including Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), Digital Evidence, Field Investigation, 

Firearms/Tool marks, Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, Illicit Labs, Latent Prints, Medical 

Examiners, Morgue Technicians, Physical Evidence-Serology & Trace Evidence, Quality Assurance and 

Toxicology.

FY12 Recipient Name: Benton County (AR)

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0070

Award Amount: $68,207

Abstract: Benton County’s proposed project consists of improving productivity and enhancing 

efficiency of death scene investigations by giving our staff the tools and training necessary to meet and 

exceed the efficiency standards set by our office. The project objectives are: 1) to process death scenes 

and document findings quicker, and more accurately; and 2) to improve our staff’s skills and increase 

efficiency in data collection and investigation.

The method for meeting the first objective is to provide the staff with the equipment and supplies needed 

to process a death scene and document findings quicker, and more accurately. Currently the coroner’s 

office has eight people who work death scene investigations and only five laptops. This causes a hardship 

because some of the laptops have to be shared, meaning that when an incident occurs, staff must drive to 

the coroner’s office, pick up the necessary equipment, and then drive to the scene. In addition, the 

coroner’s office does not have a professional copy machine for making large quantities of copies. The 

requested equipment and supplies are items that are needed to process death scenes more efficiently. 

These items will give the coroner’s office the capability to prepare and email reports, and more easily 

provide photo and DNA documentation. The important pieces of equipment and supplies that are needed 

include: additional laptops, professional copier, additional camera, air purifier, and supplies for copier, 

blood collection kits, sealed evidence sheets, DNA matrix cards and body bags for human remains. 

To meet the second objective, Benton County’s plan to provide the staff with the training necessary to 

improve their skills in order to increase efficiency in data collection and investigation. The coroner and 

coroner deputies will participate in various training opportunities to fulfill training requirements and to 

improve proficiency. Attendance at trainings, professional conferences and workshops will also assist the 

Coroner’s office in keeping current with new technologies.

This funding will provide the Coroner’s Office with the means to meet the objectives of this project; 

therefore, improving productivity and enhancing efficiency of death scene investigations. These 
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additional resources will increase the efficiency of evidence screening and processing of a death scene. 

The subsequent expected outcomes will be increased efficiency in processing the death scene, and 

enhancement in report writing, all of which will lead to increased productivity and more timely quality 

service. Running the Coroner’s Office with more efficiency and added technology enhancements will 

provide the citizens in our county with a modern, more sophisticated operation at a lower cost to the 

taxpayers.

FY12 Recipient Name: Arizona Criminal Justice Commission

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0016

Award Amount: $148,357

Abstract: The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC), as the State Administering Agency for 

Department of Justice funding, is applying to the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant 

Program on behalf of the Arizona Department of Public Safety Crime Laboratory, two local forensic 

laboratories, and one county medical examiner’s office as a collaborative effort to standardize the state 

and local laboratories. Following a state strategic plan for the forensic laboratory improvements, the grant 

funding will further the state’s ability to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science and 

medical examiner services. 

In order to improve crime laboratories throughout the state of Arizona, the Paul Coverdell Grant funds 

will be used for training and educational opportunities, personnel overtime, and laboratory certification 

fees. Agencies working in this collaborative effort include Arizona Department of Public Safety Crime 

Laboratory, Mesa and Phoenix police department crime laboratories and the Maricopa County Office of 

the Medical Examiner. With the grant funding, laboratories will meet components of the state strategic 

plan for the forensic laboratory improvements through recommendations to annually dedicate funding for 

training programs and overtime to reduce backlogs to add efficiency and quicker turnaround times to 

address caseloads.

The laboratories have an essential need for funding to provide education and certification for the forensic 

examiners. Newly hired forensic scientists must spend a minimum of six months and as much as two 

years receiving formal scientific education and training to become proficient in examining evidence; 

reaching accurate, valid conclusions; and being accepted as an expert witness in Arizona’s courts. Current 

forensic scientists must maintain their credentials as expert witnesses; remain current with the latest 

techniques as demanded by investigators, prosecutors and courts; and meet and maintain laboratory 

accreditation guidelines. None of this may be accomplished without training and education. Funding to 

send examiners to classes, conferences and seminars around the country or by bringing ongoing training 

to regional locations are priorities of the laboratories as specified in the state strategic plan for the forensic 

laboratory improvements.

The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC) is applying for and will manage grant funds on behalf 

of each of the four sub-grantee agencies. ACJC provides grant oversight and is responsible for reporting 

to the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) on grant progress. Upon receipt of grant funds, ACJC will award 

contracts to each of the four agencies. Funds will be reimbursed quarterly after submission of progress 

and financial reports by each laboratory.

FY12 Recipient Name: California Emergency Management Agency
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Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0043

Award Amount: $ 862,611

Abstract: California’s State and local forensic laboratories play an essential role in California’s criminal 

justice system. The credibility of each forensic laboratory and medical examiner’s office relies on the 

quality of forensic results produced, while providing those results to the requesting agency in a timely 

manner. Individuals in the forensic and medical examiner community must be knowledgeable in the 

scientific field, technically skilled, and ethically sensitive in order to perform duties at their highest 

potential. As technology constantly grows and new, more advanced techniques to process evidence are 

introduced, professional forensic scientists need to be kept abreast on new developments in their 

respective forensic disciplines through continuing education and training opportunities on a continuous 

basis. 

Among the many challenges facing California’s forensic laboratories today, budget cuts and the turnover 

of qualified personnel to cover core components of forensic analysis have negatively impacted 

laboratories and medical examiners’ offices around the state. The 2012 Paul Coverdell Forensic Sciences 

Improvement Grant addressed by this application is a comprehensive forensic science improvement 

program that affords each qualifying forensic laboratory in California an opportunity to improve on their 

efficiency and effectiveness to provide forensic science services. California seeks to maintain an emphasis 

on the investigation of crime through the scientific examination of physical evidence and through the 

ability to recognize the need for well-trained criminalists and effective crime laboratories equipped with 

state-of-the-art technology. Through the improvement of the quality and timeliness of forensic services, 

the reduction of the number of backlogged cases, and the sustained education and training of forensic 

personnel, California’s forensic laboratories will continue to provide a valuable tool to law enforcement 

and prosecutorial agencies throughout the state.

FY12 Recipient Name: Sacramento County (CA)

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0028

Award Amount: $165,000

Abstract: The goal of the Sacramento County District Attorney Laboratory of Forensic Services 

(hereafter referred to as crime laboratory) 2012 Paul Coverdell Forensic Sciences Improvement Grant 

program (hereafter referred to as Coverdell) is to improve the quality and timeliness of the forensic 

laboratory services - in particular improve case turnaround time and reduce or eliminate backlogs of trace 

evidence cases in the crime laboratory. 

The primary objective of the crime laboratory’s application for 2012 Coverdell funding is to improve the 

quality of elemental analysis in trace materials by replacing an laser ablation (LA) system that is rapidly 

approaching is end of its service life. The present system has been experiencing a significant increase in 

down time that is increasing turnaround time and backlogs for trace evidence cases needing this type of 

quantitative elemental analysis. This replacement will allow the laboratory to continue to be the only 

resource for this type of analysis for the western region of the United States. This objective entails a cost 

effective upgrade and replacement of existing laboratory equipment to improve overall casework quality 

and productivity. 

Objective 1: Replacement of the crime laboratory’s existing laser ablation (LA) system with a more 

technologically advanced analytical instrument. 

At the present time, this laboratory is the only public forensic laboratory in the western region of the 

United States that has the capability of providing quantitative elemental analysis on trace material using 
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laser ablation – inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The existing laser ablation 

system is outdated and frequently out of service for weeks and sometimes months at a time.

The existing laser head has already been rebuilt four times. This severely impacts turnaround time for 

casework samples and increases backlog in trace evidence. Replacement of the laser ablation system will 

allow the laboratory to continue to analyze trace evidence samples without long delays due to repairs or 

significant rebuilding of the existing laser system. This should effectively eliminate the backlog for cases 

requiring this type of analysis, for example glass cases. The crime laboratory has identified the purchase 

and installation of a new laser ablation system which will trace evidence case turnaround times, and will 

facilitate the continuation of providing quantitative elemental analysis in this region. 

The project timeframe is October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2014 

• October 2012 – December 2012 equipment purchases will be completed 

• December 2012 – March 2013 validate the new system and train staff on its use 

• April 2013 – September 2013 use of the new laser ablation system on casework 

The crime laboratory has a solid reputation for successfully completing NIJ funded research projects, 

DNA backlog grant projects, and Coverdell grant programs. It is expected that this proposal - if funded -

will produce similar successes.

FY12 Recipient Name: Division of Criminal Justice Services (CO)

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0048

Award Amount: $117,102

Abstract: Colorado’s first and primary objective for these funds is to assist laboratories in their efforts to 

improve current operations in the quality and/or timeliness of forensic science services provided 

throughout the state. These funds will specifically support one state department, the Colorado Bureau of 

Investigation, and four units of local government, the City of Denver, Denver Police Department, Crime 

Laboratory Bureau, the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office, the Weld County Sheriff’s Department, in 

partnership with the Northern Colorado Regional Forensic Laboratory (NCRFL), and the City of 

Colorado Springs, Metro Crime Laboratory (MCL). 

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is requesting Coverdell base funds for the following 

objectives: 1.) Maintain the current ASCLD-LAB Legacy Accreditation by funding the 2013 

accreditation fees for all CBI laboratories; 2.) Provide external proficiency testing to all caseworkqualified forensic scientists working in the laboratory system; 3.) Provide discipline-specific training to 

forensic staff and forensic managers working in the CBI laboratory system. 

The Denver Police Department (DPD), Crime Laboratory Bureau is requesting Coverdell base funds to 

retain an administrative assistant for the laboratory so that the burden of data entry and other 

administrative tasks for forensic scientists are minimized.

The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office is requesting Coverdell base funds for the purchase of an 

Olympus BX43 LED Brightfield Microscope in order to help them reach their goal of earning 

accreditation by the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME).

The Weld County Sheriff’s Department, in partnership with the Northern Colorado Regional 

Forensic Laboratory (NCRFL) is requesting Coverdell base funds for travel and training in order to 
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provide a mandatory level of training to staff as prescribed in each discipline, as well as training needed 

for certification or re-certification in support of their continuing ISO 17025 accreditation efforts.

The Colorado Springs Police Department, Metro Crime Laboratory (MCL) is requesting Coverdell 

base funds for travel and training in order to provide training and continuing education to staff, as well as 

training needed for certification or re-certification.

FY12 Recipient Name: Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (CT)

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0005

Award Amount: $81,947

Abstract: Connecticut’s forensic science laboratory system is administered by the Department of 

Emergency Services and Public Protection’s (DESPP) Division of Scientific Services. The Division of 

Scientific Services consists of the Forensic Science Laboratory, the Controlled Substances and 

Toxicology Laboratory, and the Computer Crimes and Electronic Evidence Laboratory.

Connecticut has determined that the best and most effective uses of the 2012 Coverdell grant are:

1. Professional development (training/conferences) activities

2. A new Mideo Systems, Inc. Incoming Evidence Documentation Imaging System (IEDIS) 

with JusticeTrax Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) interface for 

evidence receiving

3. Purchase of an HP ProLiant ML350 Gen8 Rack server (and software) to support the 

IEDIS

These purchases and activities will support improvement in the quality and timeliness of forensic analysis 

at the Division of Scientific Services.

As states continue to experience fiscal constraints and financial burdens, one area that is often cut is 

professional development and training. In an effort to ensure that Division of Scientific Services 

personnel are learning new advances in the field of forensics, DESPP is requesting Travel and Other 

funds to send staff to training and conferences. This will include, but not limited to the Association of 

Firearm and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE), the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), the 

Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Video Association (LEVA), and the International Association 

for Identification (IAI). DESPP’s Division of Scientific Services will use grants funds to support 

compliance with ISO standards accreditation in the areas of personnel professional development 

(training/conferences) and equipment purchase (and related expenses). The Division of Scientific Services 

will continue the professional education of its staff beyond the required in-house competency training and 

annual proficiency testing, consistent with its quality manual. Training in various venues provides the 

opportunity for each member of the Division to enhance his or her scientific skills and to apply these 

techniques to further the mission and objectives of the Division. The new equipment should increase 

productivity and improve available services. These initiatives will continue state-of-the-art efforts and 

advancements to enhance service quality and efficiencies to the State’s Forensic Science Laboratory and 

the entire criminal justice system.

The Mideo Systems, Inc. IEDIS is an engineered configuration of an autofocus digital camera, articulated 

Flexarm, imaging computer, and Mideo EZDoc 2.0 LIMS-Connect Imaging Workflow Software (IWS) 

with JusticeTrax LIMS interface. Each component is fine-tuned by Mideo Systems, Inc. to work as part of 

a single solution for image acquisition, documentation, enhancement, comparison, print output, and 

submission to JusticeTrax LIMS. The IEDIS provides analysts with a seamless method for documenting 

various types of incoming evidence. Analysts can view live digital image information in real-time on a 
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high-resolution display monitor. The digital camera is controlled through an easy-to-use, integrated 

software interface. The real-time visual display reduces the time it takes an analyst to optimize the 

evidence image for capture. The IEDIS features the EZDoc 2.0 LIMS-Connect IWS. The LIMS-Connect 

software was designed from the viewpoint of how digital cameras are used in the crime lab workflow and 

makes the digital documentation of evidence fast and efficient. The server and software will support the 

IEDIS.

The Coverdell grant has been instrumental in providing the Forensic Science Laboratory with additional 

funding it would ordinarily have to invest in capital equipment that advances the field of forensic 

analysis. Additionally, this funding has augmented our capability to expand and enhance our forensic 

examiners’ professional development.

FY12 Recipient Name: District of Columbia Government

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0009

Award Amount: $63,517

Abstract: The Justice Grants Administration, the District of Columbia State Administrating Agency, is 

submitting the Coverdell application in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and 

the Metropolitan Police Department. The District of Columbia is dedicated to improving the quality and 

timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner services, and has outlined separate project activities 

with these two agencies that will help to best accomplish this goal. 

District of Columbia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner: Driving under the Influence of Drugs 

and Alcohol Training for Toxicologists. 

Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol has been recognized as a major public safety issue 

worldwide. In order to combat impaired driving, individuals and laboratories testing specimens for drugs 

of abuse and alcohol must be fully educated about effects of alcohol and drugs on the human body. In 

addition, forensic scientists must continually update their education about current trends in abused 

substances, the best practices for determining the presence and concentration of those substances, and the 

legal structures and practices which surround driving under the influence (DUI) and driving under the 

influence of drugs (DUID) casework. 

Preparative training for DUI and DUID testimony is extremely specific and difficult to find. Due to the 

forensic and scientific nature of DUI and DUID specimen analysis, it is difficult for agencies to obtain 

internal training resources which can aid a toxicologist in preparing for court room testimony. Indiana 

University’s Center for Studies of Law in Action currently offers two courses which meet these needs: the 

Medicolegal Death Investigator Training Course on Alcohol and Highway Safety and the Medicolegal 

Death Investigator Training Course on the Effects of Drugs on Human Performance and Behavior.

The District of Columbia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) is requesting this training, along 

with associated travel, for three (3) forensic toxicologists in order to improve the quality and availability 

of DUI and DUID toxicological testimony in the District of Columbia.

District of Columbia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner: Digitization of Medical Examiner 

Paper Records

Historic records management is a complex and difficult ongoing project for the D.C. Office of the Chief 

Medical Examiner (OCME). In order to meet modern investigative and legal demand for information, it 

is crucial for older systems to adapt to newer technology. Updating the accessibility of medical examiner 

case files can contribute to vast improvements in the speed and quality of services provided by agencies 

and individuals requiring historical documents. These agencies and individuals include: next of kin, 
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courts, epidemiological researchers, cold-case homicide investigators and many others. In order to 

improve the quality and timeliness of records retrieval services, in 2010, the OCME began the process of 

digitizing and indexing agency historical medical examiner case file records from 1972 to present day 

using contracted services. This application is a request for funds to continue the project.

District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department: Firearms Examiner Contract Support

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) receives on average 2,000 firearms yearly and most of the 

violent crime committed in the District of Columbia is firearms related. More than half of the firearms 

processed through the MPD Firearms and Fingerprint Examination Division (FFED) Firearms 

Examination Section (FES) are semi-automatic weapons with high magazine capacities, and as a result, 

more items of evidence are submitted for examination. Due to competing local federal agencies, the lack 

of trained and qualified personnel, the large volume of violence involving a firearm, and a lack of 

discretionary resources, the MPD, FFED, FES currently has a 617 evidence case backlog and only three 

(3) qualified firearms examiners to complete the work of all firearms related cases in the District. The 

MPD is committed to hiring employees to fill the vacant positions once resources become available. 

However, until these vacancies are filled, it is necessary to have qualified contract firearms examiner(s) 

that can assist in reducing this backlog so this important evidence can be used to help solve criminal 

cases.

FY12 Recipient Name: Executive Office of the Governor of DE

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0052

Award Amount: $63,517

Abstract: The Criminal Justice Council (CJC) is the applicant/fiscal agent for these funds and proposes 

to utilize the formula grant funding of $63,517 for FY12 to fund an as of yet unknown agency to provide 

services in conjunction with the intent of the Coverdell funds. 

A request for proposals (RFP) will be written and distributed throughout the state through the various 

CJC listservs and the agency website to ensure thorough dissemination of this funding opportunity. The 

entirety (100%) of grant funds will be sub-awarded to provide services intended to: improve the quality 

and timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner services, eliminate backlogs in the analysis of 

general forensic evidence and/or train and employ forensic laboratory personnel to eliminate backlogs for 

a period of one year.

Due to the amount of funds available, the CJC has prioritized that funds be used for the elimination of 

backlogs, personnel, laboratory equipment, computerization and training. Funds will not be used for the 

renovation or construction of any facilities. At this time, there is one state Office of the Chief Medical 

Examiner (OCME). For this reason it is inundated with cases and some agencies are beginning to contract 

with outside agencies for forensic analysis. Although the OCME maintains responsibility for entering 

cases into CODIS, the actual analysis is being contracted elsewhere. Based on preliminary information 

gathering, if the funds received are not sub-awarded to the OCME, they will most likely going to a state 

or local law enforcement agency. Until proposals are received by the Criminal Justice Council, it cannot

be stated with certain who will be sub-awarded these grant funds.

FY12 Recipient Name: Florida Department of Law Enforcement

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0018

Award Amount: $436,148
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Abstract: Florida is the nation’s fourth most populous state1

; and with more than 85 million annual 

visitors, it is one of the top tourist destinations in the world.2 Residents and visitors are distributed across 

sixty-seven urban and rural counties, contributing to complex challenges for approximately 500 Florida 

criminal justice agencies. According to Uniform Crime Report statistics, these agencies reported 770,518 

index crimes in 2010, a decrease of 6.6% from 2009. Despite the decrease, Florida’s reported crime 

volume for 2010 surpassed that of all states except California and Texas, and produced 74,979 requests 

for forensic services in 2011. 

Requests for forensic services are handled by seven Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) 

regional crime laboratories, and five county laboratories (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Pinellas, 

and Indian River) that are part of Florida’s crime laboratory system. Florida’s State Fire Marshal handles 

arson investigations, and death investigations are handled by one of 24 district medical examiners who are 

governed by the Florida Medical Examiners Commission (MEC). FDLE serves as staff for the MEC.

FDLE will submit application for the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant formula funds 

(Coverdell) on behalf of all agency members of Florida’s crime laboratory system, State Fire Marshal and 

MEC. These partners have agreed to a distribution methodology that provides a base amount of funding 

to Florida’s Medical Examiners, with the remaining funds to be distributed to the state and local crime 

laboratories on the basis of population served. The state share of funds will be distributed between the 

FDLE crime laboratory system and the Florida State Fire Marshal, Department of Financial Services, 

Bureau of Forensic Fire and Explosives Analysis based on percentage of population served

Although better case management, streamlined processing, and increased case work capacity, have helped 

laboratories increase output and reduce backlogs in some disciplines, and slow the growth of backlogs in 

others, large numbers of pending cases remain throughout the state laboratory system. Medical examiners 

are facing the challenge of providing timely services to meet the increasing volume of service requests 

within their respective districts due to outdated technology and limited resources. Through selfassessment, the state and local laboratories and medical examiner offices have identified and prioritized 

their agencies’ needs, and are requesting Coverdell funds for temporary personnel, overtime, equipment, 

training, supplies and contract services to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic and medical 

examiner services throughout the State.

FY12 Recipient Name: Broward County (FL)

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0025

Award Amount: $19,996

Abstract: The District 17 Medical Examiner’s Office, located in Fort Lauderdale, is part of Florida’s 

statewide medical examiner system and operates as an agency within Broward County government. The 

Office is tasked with investigating all violent, suspicious, unnatural and unattended deaths, and 

performing toxicology testing on both medical examiner- and non-fatal law enforcement cases. The 

annual workload for the toxicology staff consistently ranks in the top three of all Florida counties. 

Broward County is requesting funds to obtain continuing medical education, re-certifications, and 

trainings for the Medical Examiner’s staff, in order to enhance their knowledge base and improve the 

quality and timeliness of services. Funds will be used to send: (A) two forensic pathologists to the 2013 

meeting of the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; (B) two 

medico legal death investigators to the American Board of Medico legal Death Investigators (ABMDI), 

Master 15 Conference, in St. Louis, Missouri; (C) two Forensic Toxicologist II staff to the annual meeting 

 
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of the Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT) in Orlando, Florida; and (D) two medical examiner staff 

to the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Annual Meeting in Washington, DC. These 

conferences offer several accredited workshops with specific topics in forensic science and toxicology. 

The information obtained will be disseminated throughout the Medical Examiner’s Office to improve 

efficiency, readiness, and service to law enforcement, legal authorities, decedents and their families. The 

provision of additional knowledge for the investigative, toxicology, and physician staff can help move 

cases along more quickly and reduce potential case backlogs.

FY12 Recipient Name: Miami Dade County (FL)

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0024

Award Amount: $175,000

Abstract: One of the most widespread and increasingly complicated challenges facing postmortem 

forensic toxicology in the 21st century across the entire nation and especially in South Florida is the 

detection of designer drugs and potent complex pharmaceuticals in death investigations. Toxicologists are 

charged with the daunting task of effectively screening and measuring these “new” drugs at low levels in 

human fluids and tissues in order to best guide the medical examiner in determining the cause of death.

The Miami-Dade County (Florida) Medical Examiner Department, an operation that has been serving the 

entire South Florida area for more than 50 years, is requesting grant funding support for the purchase of a 

high tech liquid chromatograph ion trap mass spectrometer (LCMSMS) capable of MSn analysis to 

replace antiquated technology that is currently being used by its team of toxicologists. The new 

technology will significantly improve the quality and timeliness of the medical examiner services and

facilitate the elimination of a backlog in the postmortem forensic toxicology analysis. The increased 

demand on the Miami-Dade County toxicology laboratory (the “Laboratory”) is overwhelming with the 

surge in drug-related deaths (pharmaceutical and illicit designer) representing more than 80% (1,600) of 

the 2,000 cases processed last year and with more than 35% of cases requiring extensive analysis/further 

tests due to the complex combinations of drugs.

The Laboratory will acquire and incorporate the LCMSMS technology into its testing protocols methods 

to achieve the following program objectives:

1. Detect, identify, and measure low concentrations of complex pharmaceuticals in blood and 

tissue.

2. Detect, identify and measure low concentrations of the cathinone phenethylamines, 

piperazines, tryptamines and atypical amphetamine phenethylamines; including stimulants 

normally associated with “bath salts”

3. Detect, identify and measure low concentrations of cannabinoid analogs normally found in 

products labeled as “K2” and “Spice”.

4. Reduce testing procedures (currently 6 to 10 tests per case) and reduce the turnaround time 

required to process these complicated cases (currently from 35 to 65 days).

The new technology will yield several positive outcomes, which are tracked in performance measures, 

including: (1) improved throughput and reduced turnaround; (2) excellent quality of results; and (3) 

decrease cost for materials. The new technology has an extremely fast scan speed and robust sensitivity 

yielding the best results in simultaneous identification and quantification. This reduces the need for 

additional analyses (tests) and improves the overall processing time. Reduced preparation time,

comprehensive screening and quantification, and the elimination of redundant analyses are all essential to 

reducing case turnaround and backlog. The overall characteristics and benefits of this technology make it 

the optimal choice for meeting the needs of the project.
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FY12 Recipient Name: Pinellas County (FL)

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0030

Award Amount: $84,526

Abstract: The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), like many law enforcement agencies across the 

nation, has had to make agency budget cuts and realignment of personnel as a result of the economic 

downturn over the last few years. As a direct result, several Divisions within PCSO had positions 

eliminated and the agency’s Latent Fingerprint Section was not spared. One Latent Print Examiner 

position was eliminated due to budget cuts while another position has been devoted primarily to the 

examination of evidence in prescription fraud cases as Pinellas County has had a tremendous increase in 

these types of cases over the past several years. Therefore, PCSO is seeking funds through the Paul 

Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant to improve the quality and timeliness of the Latent 

Fingerprint Section through a reduction in backlog cases. 

The goal is to increase the quality of services provided to the law enforcement community by eliminating 

the backlog of cases. The objective is to fund overtime for 7 members of the Latent Fingerprint Section to 

work on the backlog cases thereby increasing timeliness of services. The plan of action to address the 

existing backlog is to have the current trained staff of 6 Latent Print Examiners and the Fingerprint 

Records Manager work on an overtime basis to analyze the backlog cases. The Fingerprint Records 

Manager, acting as Project Director for Latent Print Backlog Reduction will provide oversight, prepare 

required reports for submission to NIJ, assist in decreasing the backlog and develop a spreadsheet to track 

the number of backlog cases worked to include: the type of case/crime, the initial date received, the 

date(s) and overtime hours spent working on the case, and the date of completion. In order to track the 

anticipated reduction of 75% of the backlog cases, reducing the backlog from 750 cases to 188 cases, the 

Project Director will log the number of backlog cases at the beginning of the project and the number of 

backlog cases at the end of the project in order calculate the percentage of reduction for reporting 

purposes. 

PCSO recognizes the importance of timely latent print results in criminal investigations, and if awarded 

funds through the Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant will improve the quality and timeliness 

of services to law enforcement by reducing the number of cases in backlog.

FY12 Recipient Name: Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0063

Award Amount: $224,629

Abstract: The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council submits this application on behalf of its partner 

state agency, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). GBI’s Division of Forensic Sciences (Crime 

Lab) operates 7 laboratories located throughout the state. The laboratory system serves the entire state, 

which has a population of approximately 9.8 million;1 the Crime Lab also issues reports to approximately 

1,000 criminal justice agencies. 

Through this grant, the Crime Lab proposes to purchase two (2) gas chromatograph/mass spectrometers 

(GCMS) and a high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) for the Chemistry Department. The 

equipment will work towards the attainment of the goals stated in the Crime Lab’s 2012 Strategic Plan. 

The Strategic Plan outlines the Crime Lab’s commitment to: 

1. Enhance and improve the workplace environment to be more conducive to the recruitment and 

development of Crime Lab employees; 
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2. Foster an organizational culture focused on the quality and integrity of forensic analysis; 

3. Analyze incoming evidence submissions in a time frame necessary to meet investigative needs 

and the requirements of court presentation; and 

4. Expand the lines of communication between laboratory staff, customers and stakeholders. 

As identified strategies specified to attain these goals, the equipment will 1) provide adequate, up-to-date, 

scientific instrumentation to complete analyses as requested and 2) enable the Crime Lab to provide 90% 

of laboratory reports within 45 days of evidence submission.

The Crime Lab proposes to use 2012 Paul Coverdell grant funds to purchase equipment that will assure 

quality forensic analysis and further assist the Crime Lab in its responsibility to meet needs specifically 

related to drug offense investigations. The proposed equipment includes: 

 Two (2) gas chromatograph/mass spectrometers (GCMS) to identify the presence of drugs in a sample; 

and 

 One (1) high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) to quantify the purity of drugs (e.g., cocaine 

or methamphetamine) in a sample. 

The equipment requested is imperative to attaining the Crime Lab’s Strategic Plan goals to provide timely 

analysis of evidence submissions and to focus on the quality and integrity of forensic analysis.

FY12 Recipient Name: Guam Bureau of Statistics and Plans

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0044

Award Amount: $63,517

Abstract: The scope of this proposal is to help improve and enhance the quality and timeliness of 

forensic science services in Guam by providing support for laboratory equipment and supplies for DNA 

Testing, and to assist the laboratory to achieve accreditation under the ISO/IEC 17025 certifying the 

laboratory’s compliance with established technical, quality and security standards.

The objectives are the following:

1. To enhance the Guam Police Department Laboratory ability to conduct DNA testing by providing 

for DNA testing equipment and supplies; and

2. To contract services with the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory

Accreditation Board (ASCLD-LAB) and/or Forensic Quality Services (FQS) or other appropriate

accrediting bodies to provide accreditation for laboratory under the ISO/IEC 17025 certifying the

laboratory’s compliance with established technical, quality and security

standards.

For objective 1, the Guam Police Department Forensic Sciences Laboratory will purchase two bench top 

Barnstead Nano pure Diamond Life Sciences UV/UF systems with Total Organic Carbon water purifier, 

four replacement UV lamps, four final filters, and two replacement diamond cartridge kits supplies to 

provide for ultra-pure water needed for DNA Testing. The ultra-pure water equipment and supplies will 

ensure the new DNA laboratory facility will have the essential forensic equipment to process DNA 

evidence. 
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To meet objective 2, the Guam Police Department Forensic Sciences Laboratory will seek contractual 

services with the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board 

(ASCLD-LAB) and/or Forensic Quality Services (FQS) or other appropriate accrediting bodies to provide 

accreditation for laboratory under the ISO/IEC 17025 certifying the laboratory’s compliance with 

established technical, quality and security standards.

Support of this proposal will assist the Guam Police Department Forensic Sciences Laboratory in 

increasing the laboratory capability and efficiency to conduct DNA processing and to provide 

accreditation for laboratory under the ISO/IEC 17025 certifying the laboratory’s compliance with 

established technical, quality and security standards. The Guam Police Department Forensic Science 

Laboratory is being expanded to include a DNA laboratory facility. The new DNA laboratory facility will 

need to be equipped with forensic DNA equipment to process DNA evidence. Grant funds will be used to 

implement a water purifier system to enable the DNA facility to produce ultra-pure water for DNA 

evidence processing. The laboratory is pursuing accreditation; grant funds will be used for contractual 

services with an appropriate accrediting body to assist the laboratory to achieve accreditation.

The program evaluation criteria will consist of the successful implementation of the equipment and 

supplies for DNA processing and analysis; and successful implementation of the contractual services to 

achieve accreditation.

The program outcomes and effectiveness of the project will be based on the efficiencies that the Forensic 

Science Division will experience with the implementation of the forensic DNA equipment and supplies, 

and accreditation preparation. The anticipated outcomes of this program are the following:

Increased forensic quality of processed case evidence; an

Increased laboratory efforts towards achieving accreditation

FY12 Recipient Name: Hawaii Department of the Attorney General

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0047

Award Amount: $63,517

Abstract: The Department of the Attorney General, the designated State Administering Agency (SAA), 

is seeking State formula (base) funding through the 2012 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement 

Grants Program (Coverdell) to improve and enhance the quality and timeliness of forensic science 

services in Hawaii. The Department of Attorney General is requesting $34,575.00 to support the 

Department of Public Safety, Narcotics Enforcement Division's Forensic Laboratory (NEDFL).

Thirty-one thousand, one hundred eighteen dollars ($31, 118.00) will be utilized to support the 

improvement and enhancement of the NEDFL services. Objectives for the NEDFL's project are: 1) to 

improve and expand upon the laboratory information management system (LIMS) capabilities, 2) to 

fulfill NED's commitment to laboratory personnel professional development by providing training 

opportunities to develop forensic knowledge, abilities, and credibility, thereby maintaining professional 

certification in forensics, 3) to develop additional analytical methods in the areas of latent print and 

alcoholic beverage analysis, and 4) to expand the laboratory's scope of accreditation through the addition 

of forensic services including latent print and alcoholic beverage analysis.

To achieve these objectives, Coverdell funds will be used to cover the use of a contractor who will 

implement LIMS customization services and other IT support. Other items include the purchase of two 

additional LIMS user licenses, LIMS backup server and related software, travel and registration costs for 

two staff to attend four trainings including ASCLD/LAB-International Measurement Confidence Level 

200 Measurement Uncertainty Course, Clandestine Laboratory Investigating Chemist Annual Technical 
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Seminar, Association of Forensic Quality Assurance Managers, and the Drug Enforcement 

Administration Symposium; drug standards and laboratory supplies that will assist in the development of 

analytical methods; and testing and recertification fees in order to increase the NEDFL's scope of 

accreditation. NEDFL is committed to the maintenance and continual improvement of the quality of 

forensic services it provides to the law enforcement community. In doing so, NEDFL endeavors to 

expand the scope of services it provides and to attain internationally recognized accreditation of these 

new services. NEDFL also plans to maintain and expand the use of its LIMS to incorporate these new 

services, continue active participation in professional organizations and forensic education opportunities, 

develop new analytical methods and participate in professional certification programs. These 

improvement activities are necessary to enhance and positively influence the quality and efficiency of 

laboratory services.

Three thousand, four hundred fifty-seven dollars ($3,457.00) will be utilized to support administrative 

costs for the Department of the Attorney General as the SAA. Funds will support a portion of the salary 

and associated fringe benefits cost for the staff responsible for overseeing Coverdell funded contracts, and 

travel costs necessary for neighbor island staff participation in quarterly meetings attended by various 

forensic science personnel throughout the State of Hawaii.

FY12 Recipient Name: Iowa Governors Office of Drug Control Policy

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0040

Award Amount: $230,674

Abstract: Funding is requested to support the Iowa Department of Public Safety, Division of Criminal 

Investigation, Criminalistics Laboratory and the Department of Public Health, State Medical Examiner’s 

Office.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety, Division of Criminal Investigation, Criminalistics Laboratory is 

the only accredited crime lab servicing Iowa’s criminal justice system. 

The 2012 Base Award will be utilized by the Iowa Department of Public Safety, Division of Criminal 

Investigations’ Criminalistics Laboratory to hire an evidence technician and provide overtime for 

scientists to clear cases.

Coverdell funding will be used by the Iowa Criminalistics Laboratory to provide continuation funding on 

a part-time basis for an evidence technician. The evidence technician assists the lab in reducing case 

turnaround times by eliminating bottlenecks in the evidence room and relieving criminalist of certain 

evidence management duties.

The evidence technician was hired in the current fiscal year using Coverdell formula grant funds. The 

technician has participated in on the job training and is now a fully functional and valuable member of the 

lab team. 

Coverdell funding will also be used to support overtime for lab staff to work cases which will reduce 

backlogs and reduce the average case turnaround time. Grant overtime funding is expected to be 

prioritized to those sections of the lab with the greatest backlog and highest turnaround times. 

The Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner is a state entity that is physically located in the center of 

the state and provides autopsy service and death investigation consultation for the County Medical 

Examiners. 
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In addition to autopsies and consultations, the State Medical Examiner’s Office is also responsible for 

establishing death investigation guidelines and training for county Medical Examiner Physicians and 

County Medical Examiner Investigators. When a death occurs in Iowa that falls under Medical Examiner 

jurisdiction, by law the County Medical Examiner is called to investigate. Because of the demands on 

physician’s time, many counties have county investigators, non-physicians who are hired by the county 

and are responsible for actually going to the scene and collecting information and evidence related to the 

death. 

The 2012 Base Award will be utilized by the Iowa Department of Public Health, to provide continuation 

funding for a part-time Autopsy Technician.

The 2012 Coverdell award will be used to continue the employment of an autopsy technician which was 

originally hired a year ago with Coverdell funding. Filling this position has improved continuity and 

timeliness of autopsy services.

FY12 Recipient Name: Idaho State Police

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0013

Award Amount: $63,517

Abstract: The scope of this project is to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services in 

Idaho and to reduce the number of backlogged cases in the Idaho State Police Forensic Services 

laboratories. The objective of this project is to improve the quality and timeliness of casework and 

decrease backlogs in all laboratory disciplines by fully implementing and custom programming the 

new ISPFS Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). 

Idaho State Police’ objective is accomplished by funding a LIMS computer programmer salary 

(full-time implementation expert) for a period of 720 hours. ISPFS purchased a new LIMS system 

using 2010 Coverdell funds. ISPFS suspended many laboratory process improvement efforts to 

decrease backlogs and increase efficiencies in all forensic disciplines pending the implementation of 

the new LIMS system. The procurement process for the new LIMS was long, and the laboratory has 

just started to install this new LIMS system. ISPFS does not have funds to pay the LIMS vendor for 

continuing maintenance of this software, so ISPFS negotiated access to the source code of the 

software to perform ongoing maintenance using “in-house” ISP computer programmers. ISPFS used 

savings from other projects on the Coverdell 2010 funds to pay part of the initial salary for the 

implementation programmer, but additional funds are necessary to retain this position until the Idaho 

legislature appropriates permanent funding for the position. The programmer will be responsible to 

get the LIMS system operational and through validation, the data converted from the old system, and 

the system adapted to the ISPFS workflow. In addition to working with the vendor on initial 

deployment of the system, the programmer will be the LIMS administrator, will interface the system 

with laboratory instruments, and will write quality control modules. Once the LIMS system is fully 

functional and debugged, the programmer will be used to develop a paperless LIMS environment, 

repair computers (such as instrument computers) that are not supported by the ISP Information 

Technology (IT) staff, and coordinate with ISP IT to resolve laboratory computer and network 

related problems. The small ISP IT staff is overwhelmed with requests from the entire department 

and cannot provide the level of support that Forensic Services needs with the new integrated LIMS 

system. The LIMS programmer will decrease backlogs, speed turnaround, and increase quality by 

customizing the system for process efficiency.
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FY12 Recipient Name: Twin Falls County (ID) 

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0066

Award Amount: $38.432

Abstract: The Twin Falls County Coroner’s Office is expected to respond to over 600 calls for 

service this year but lacks the equipment and trained personnel to conduct autopsies at the county 

facility. The Ada County Coroner, (located 260 miles round trip from Twin Falls) is the closest entity 

that will contract for outside autopsies. Last year 27 decedents were transported for autopsies to the 

Ada County facility at a cost of over $45,000 for contractual services, related transportation and staff 

expenses. 

Coverdell funds in the amount of $38,432 are needed to help create a central forensic facility in 

south-central Idaho to improve the timeliness and quality of forensic science and medical examiner 

services in the 8 counties of the “Magic Valley.” Grant funds are proposed for equipment and 

supplies needed to perform autopsies and examinations, process, preserve and store physical and 

biological evidence, and to train two staff as autopsy techs. 

The objectives are:

1. Increase the timeliness of autopsies from 36-120 hours to 24-72 hours during the grant. 

2. Increase the efficiency of the Coroner’s Office by having all appropriate equipment and 

supplies available to perform examinations and autopsies, process, preserve and store 

physical and biological evidence, to meet the Coroner’s legal requirements and protect 

staff from injuries and communicable disease. 

Twin Falls County’s Project Plan is to utilize grant funds to secure needed equipment and supplies to 

create a central forensic facility to serve south-central Idaho and to train two staff as autopsy techs. 

County funds will be used to contract with a forensic pathologist as needed to conduct autopsies until 

it is cost effective to hire a full-time forensic pathologist. 

This project will greatly improve the quality and timeliness of forensic and medical examiner 

services for Twin Falls County and its neighboring counties as follows: 

Expect to reduce delays in autopsies to 24-72 hours from 36-120 hours at present by 

contracting with a Forensic Pathologist for suspicious deaths and homicide cases. 

 Reduce staff and transportation’ s costs for outside autopsies by $7,000 per year, 

eliminating the need to travel to the Ada County Coroner’s Office in Boise (260 miles away 

round trip), for autopsies and suspicious death examinations. 

 the cause of death will be determined faster, bringing earlier closure to family members 

and loved ones, and allows for funeral arrangements to be made sooner and enables more 

immediate settlement of decedent affairs. 

 Evidence in suspicious death and homicide cases will be preserved so law enforcement and 

the judicial system can work effectively in criminal cases. We expect a reduction in evidence 

that is lost due to the decaying process, absorption into cells or dissipation from delayed 

autopsies and examinations. 

 Credibility of evidence and expert testimony of the forensic pathologist is likely to 

improve court cases outcomes, so justice may be served. Lacking a forensic pathologist, 

lawyers attempt to contest evidence by discrediting pathologists and Coroner’s staff in court 

proceeding to win cases. 
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 Increased capacity of the morgue for cadaver and biological storage enables services to be 

extended to other counties in the Magic Valley and the increased volume of autopsies is 

expected to facilitate the hiring of a full-time Forensic Pathologist quicker and improve the 

sustainability of the project. 

FY12 Recipient Name: Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0001

Award Amount: $294,523

Abstract: This proposal is submitted on behalf of the forensic science laboratories in the State of Illinois. 

The laboratories represented in this proposal are the nine forensic science laboratories that comprise the 

Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Forensic Services-Forensic Sciences Command (FSC), the DuPage 

County Forensic Science Center (DCFSC) and the Northern Illinois Regional Crime Laboratory 

(NIRCL). The consolidated state plan for the forensic science laboratories in Illinois has focused on 

improving the quality, accuracy and timeliness of forensic sciences services to the criminal justice system 

and citizens of the State of Illinois. The consolidated plan has been in effect since 2002 and the continued 

demand for forensic sciences services dictates the need for the forensic science laboratories in Illinois to 

continue focusing their efforts and resources on improving the quality of forensic science services.

Funding from previous years’ National Forensic Sciences Improvement Act programs have been used to 

purchase new analytical equipment and/or upgrades for existing analytical equipment; to maintain 

laboratory accreditation standards by purchasing required external proficiency tests; and to provide 

appropriate internal and external training opportunities to staff that assists with the end goal of improving 

the timeliness and quality of forensic services offered by the forensic sciences laboratories in Illinois. 

The aforementioned actions have had a positive impact on the labs’ ability to address case backlogs, 

maintain required accreditation standards and improve forensic services. 

FY12 Recipient Name: Cook County (IL)

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0027

Award Amount: $175,000

Abstract: The Office of the Cook County Medical Examiner (CCME) requests funding in the sum of 

$175,000 to purchase a greatly needed electronic data management system. CCME is relying on 

antiquated systems to track the bodies that come through the facilities. The current system consists of 

paper documentation and an archaic, near-obsolete computer system developed in the mid-1980s. An 

updated electronic system will allow employees to input, process, and store information more quickly and

efficiently, significantly improving the quality and timeliness of Medical Examiner’s Office operations.

FY12 Recipient Name: Indiana Criminal Justice Institute

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0039

Award Amount: $313,037

Abstract: Indiana Criminal Justice Institute had requested the funding amount of $149,145 for the 

Coverdell base funds and requested the funding amount of $163,892 for the competitive funds. 

GOAL: The State plan is to provide a turnaround time of less than 45 days for 90% of submissions 

and maintain or improve the quality of forensic services. 

Base Funds:

Objectives: 
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1. To improve the timeliness of forensic services through the use of overtime pay 

2. To improve the quality and timeliness of drug examinations through equipment upgrades 

Project plans: 

1. Utilize paid overtime to improve casework turnaround time 

2. Procure, install, and validate upgraded equipment 

Methods: 

1. Past use of paid overtime has shown it to be effective in improving turnaround time. 

2. To improve quality and turnaround time in the Indianapolis Laboratory’s Drug Unit, an 

Ultraviolet Spectrophotometer will be replaced. 

3. To improve quality and turnaround time in the Lowell Laboratory’s Drug Unit, a Fourier 

Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer will be replaced. 

4. To improve quality and turnaround time in the Evansville Laboratory’s Drug Unit, a 

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer will be replaced.

Competitive funds: 

Objective: To improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services through the addition of new 

equipment 

Project plans: Procure, install, and validate additional equipment 

Methods: 

To improve quality and turnaround time in the Drug Unit, a Gas Chromatograph with Fourier 

Transform Infrared Detector (GC-FTIR) will be added.

FY12 Recipient Name: Executive Office of the State of Kansas

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0012

Award Amount: $65,710

Abstract: The Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center (Center) serves as the Crime

Laboratory (Laboratory) for all of Sedgwick County, Kansas Law Enforcement agencies and provides 

forensic services to many contiguous counties.

The most significant challenge to the forensic science crime laboratories in Kansas is the increase in 

caseload and demand for forensic analyses without a compensatory increase in resources, in particular 

human resources. Since 2002, the case load in the Toxicology Laboratory has increased 40 percent. Prior 

to the hiring of an additional toxicology position, the Forensic Science Center was not meeting National 

Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) guidelines for turnaround times or scientists per caseload, 

and was in danger of losing its accreditation. The delay in forensic analyses by the Laboratory was also a 

significant bottleneck in the investigation and prosecution of Driving under the Influence of Alcohol 

and/or Drugs (DUI/DUID) cases.

The request for funding is for salary, benefits, and required training to continue the scientist 

(Toxicologist) position. The position is responsible for postmortem toxicology work and allows other 

scientists to focus more time on DUI/DUID casework. Continuation of the position would maintain the 

current case backlog and turnaround times (Toxicology), allowing the Laboratory to remain in 

compliance with NAME guidelines and meet the needs of law enforcement partners in the investigation 

of DUI/DUID cases. A small amount of the funds will be used to support continuing education of the 

Toxicology scientist position (via a Regional Training conference) and in-house training for all staff 

(PowerPoint projector). Fulfilling the training component will assist the Center in meeting the 

accreditation requirements of both NAME and ASCLD/LAB.
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The project’s primary goal is to maintain the Toxicology Section’s ability to provide timely and accurate 

toxicological analyses in accordance with NAME and ASCLD/LAB guidelines.

The primary objective is to retain a qualified toxicology scientist to facilitate meeting the project’s 

primary goal.

FY12 Recipient Name: Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0007

Award Amount: $99,996

Abstract: The Kentucky Office of the Medical Examiner’s four regional labs request federal funds to 

improve services provided to the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Kentucky Office of the Medical 

Examiner’s Office provides all forensic services to the entire Commonwealth. No other providers of 

these services exist to the criminal justice community in Kentucky and this responsibility is taken very 

seriously. Maintaining current equipment, replacing outdated equipment, and maintaining adequate 

staffing to prevent backlog are critical to our mission. Through these funds the Kentucky Medical 

Examiner’s Office will be able to replace outdated equipment and purchase items which will increase 

efficiency and safety as well as save costs.

FY12 Recipient Name: Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement 

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0046

Award Amount: $104,699

Abstract: The proposed 2012 Paul Coverdell Forensic Sciences Improvement Grant Program award will 

be used by Louisiana to continue the work of previous years efforts, and previous years’ and current goal 

of improving the quality and timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner services, eliminate or 

reduce the backlog of analysis of forensic science evidence and to train forensic science personnel in 

order to improve the quality and timeliness of these services. Louisiana proposes to accomplish this goal 

by the sub awarding of grant monies to eight local and regional forensic laboratories as well as the State 

Police Crime Lab. These funds will be used for specific objectives supporting the above stated goal and 

include overtime, travel and training expenses, equipment and supply purchases and equipment 

maintenance agreements. Evidence of such activity will manifest itself through the use of quarterly fiscal 

and program progress reports and an on-site monitoring visit of sub awardees. This information will be 

presented in semiannual progress reports to USDOJ. 

FY12 Recipient Name: State of Maine

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0034

Award Amount: $63,517

Abstract: Coverdell funds will provide the Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) and 

the Maine State Police Crime Lab with needed supplies, continuation of lab maintenance agreements and 

training that will improve the current operations in the quality and timeliness of forensic science services 

provided in the State of Maine. The Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) will use Coverdell funds 

to contract with two forensic pathologists to perform additional autopsies. These improvements will 

promote accreditation and certification for the State of Maine facilities that provide forensic science 

services.

The project objectives are: 

1. Maintain accreditation through ASCLD/LAB Accreditation such as calibrations, proficiency 

testing, proper instrument maintenance, reagents, controls and supplies.
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2. The Maine State Police Crime Laboratory will use Coverdell funds to send 8 forensic analysts 

to 7 different trainings/conferences in 2013. Each training/conference will be in the field of 

expertise of the analyst. Specifically we would like to send the Quality Manager to Association 

of Forensic Quality Assurance Managers conference, one DNA analyst to the Promega 

International Symposium on Human Identification (or equivalent training such as the BODE 

DNA conference, one latent print examiner to the International Association of Identification 

conference, one firearms examiner to the American Firearms and Toolmark Examiners 

conference, one DNA analyst to the New England Association of Forensic Scientists, two 

forensic chemists to the American Academy of Forensic Sciences conference and one crime 

scene expert (Evidence Response Team member) to the International Association of Bloodstain 

Pattern Analysis conference.

3. Reduce the backlog of autopsies by 30.

The Maine Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory’s (HETL) is an ASCLD/LAB® accredited 

forensic operation laboratory. The HETL will provide analytical, technical, and enforcement capability to 

help control the abuse of alcohol and drugs and the attendant public health consequences. Forensic 

analysis provided by the HETL includes controlled substances, clandestine laboratory processing, blood 

alcohol concentration determination and DUI urine drug testing. Funds will be used to: fund staff, fees 

for maintaining accreditation through ASCLD/LAB Accreditation, proficiency testing, proper instrument 

maintenance; and supplies for preserving evidence.

The Maine State Police Crime Laboratory is a full service crime laboratory providing free services to 

all local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies in the State of Maine. The laboratory is 

accredited in the areas of trace evidence, latent prints, firearms/tool marks and forensic biology (DNA). It 

is the only accredited crime laboratory in Maine that provides all of these services. The laboratory 

employs 16 forensic analysts. 

Training is the one area that is hardest to fund and previous year’s Coverdell funding allowed for staff 

members to attend training which some are just starting to attend now. With this additional funding we 

would ensure that the remainder of the professional staff would be able to attend training or a conference 

in their field of expertise in 2013. This will improve the quality of the Lab’s testing processes and they 

will learn new efficiencies by attending conferences for each professional unit in the laboratory.

The Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) is a statewide system that is charged with the 

investigation of sudden, unexpected and violent deaths. The office was established as a state agency in 

July 1968. The staff consists of 2 forensic pathologists, including the current Chief Medical Examiner Dr. 

Margaret Greenwald and the Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Marguerite DeWitt. The pathologists 

are supported by 7 staff members. Over 200 physicians volunteer to serve the state and are appointed by 

the Chief Medical Examiner to function in their local communities. The OCME will use Coverdell 

funding to contract with 2 forensic pathologists to perform additional autopsies to help reduce the 

backlog. Approximately, 30 additional autopsies will be performed.

FY12 Recipient Name: Governors Office of Crime Control and Prevention (MD)

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0017

Award Amount: $133,385

Abstract: Maryland's violent crime rate has been, and remains, significantly higher than the national 

average. Over the past three years, the state's average annual violent crime rate has been about 30% 

higher than the national average.
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The Baltimore County Police Department (BCoPD) is the sole law enforcement agency within Baltimore 

County, Maryland. To maintain and improve the proficiency of the forensic examiners including the 

fulfillment of ASCLD/LAB accreditation which mandates and requires certifications, two trainings will 

take place: 

1. Provide Law Enforcement & Emergency Services Video Association (LEVA) trainings level I 

– III for one of the Forensic Examiners, and 

2. Provide Microscopy training for one Trace Evidence Unit Examiner.

The Baltimore City Police Department reported that last year, the homicide rate reached its lowest since 

1977; a 17% drop in the last two years which translates into 679 fewer victims of violence. The Firearms 

Unit has a backlog of 720 cases and the Latent Print Unit has a backlog of 5,969 cases. Overtime will be 

utilized to reduce the backlog by 6.7%. Although it is difficult to quantify or measure the value of 

training, it is imperative that lab personnel have the opportunity to continue their education in order to 

remain up-to-date on current scientific methods, learn new skills and liaison with other professional in 

their field. Laboratory scientists will attend three trainings for continuing education in their respected 

fields: 

1. The International Association for Identification (IAI), 

2. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) seminar, and 

3. The Regional Meeting of the Association of Firearms and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE). 

In addition, there are impending regulations from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene that 

require the storage of drug cases for 10 years. The scanner will be used to create electronic case files.

The Western Maryland Regional Crime Laboratory (WMRCL) was awarded funding to purchase 

“Qualtrax” Quality Management Software through the 2011 Coverdell award. This software will assist 

the laboratory personnel by allowing ASCLD/LAB-ISO accreditation-related tracking of documents, 

training and compliance functions. The purchase of a computer tablet will allow remote data capture and 

download into the Qualtraz system for a variety of ASCLD/LAB ISO accreditation related duties. They 

are also seeking to purchase a digital imaging system for microscopic documentation. This system will be 

used for training and to document chemistry-related forensic evidence. The American Society of Crime 

Laboratory Director’s meeting will be attended by one staff member. Topics dealing with problems and 

issues facing crime laboratories are extensively discussed.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) is a statewide program and is responsible for the 

death investigation of all medical examiner cases defined by Maryland Statute. In order to maintain full 

accreditation, without any violations, it is required to complete 90% of all autopsy cases within 60 days 

from the date of investigation. The purchase of new computers will allow better interface to assist with 

the timely completion of autopsy reports.

The Prince George’s County Police Department is the 33rd largest police department in the country, with 

an approximate population of 830,000. Like many law enforcement agencies, they have endured severe 

budget constraints. This hampers the ability to analyze drug cases in a timely manner. The purchase of 

three Stereomicroscopes will ensure the quality of analysis for marijuana and effective court testimony. 

The existing stereomicroscopes are older have poor resolution thus take longer to process and identify. 

The Maryland State Police- Forensic Science Division (MSP-FSD) has a current backlog of 1,581 Latent 

Print cases. Overtime support will allow them to reduce this backlog.
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FY12 Recipient Name: City of Baltimore (MD)

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0069

Award Amount: $175,000

Abstract: The Trace SEM Project goal is to improve the quality and reduce the backlog of the Trace 

Analysis Unit of the Baltimore City Police Department Crime Laboratory (BPD-CL), increasing the 

timeliness of forensic science services. The primary objective used to reach the goal is the upgrading 

both Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM) currently in use at the BPD-CL, replacing detection and data 

processing parts, rebuilding the existing equipment, Once rebuilt, the SEMs will use new detector 

equipment and data collection components to enhance performance on all validated procedures, assisting 

in the processing of backlogged physical evidence cases. With this added capacity and capability, the 

citizens of Baltimore City would enjoy more timely forensic services to compliment the violent crime 

reduction strategy implemented to improve quality of life.

FY12 Recipient Name: Massachusetts State Police

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0002

Award Amount: $150,761

Abstract: The Massachusetts State Police Forensic Services Group (MSPFSG) is a state government 

laboratory dedicated to providing quality forensic services within Massachusetts. The Boston Police 

Department Forensic Technology Division (BPD) and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) 

together with the MSPFSG propose the following initiatives to reduce forensic case backlogs, to decrease 

turnaround time and to provide timelier forensic services.

The goal of this proposal is to: 1) reduce case backlogs; 2) increase capacity; and 3) train forensic 

examiners to provide more timely services to our clients. To accomplish these goals, the following 

initiatives are proposed: 1) to train sworn and civilian members of the Forensic Services Group and the 

Boston Police Department; 2) to purchase an evidence refrigerator for the Toxicology Unit and 3) to 

purchase forensic software for Digital Evidence and Multimedia Section at the Forensic Services Group.

The goal is that these collective initiatives will decrease the case backlog and turnaround time of forensic 

examinations at the respective laboratories state-wide while increasing the capacity at each agency.

FY12 Recipient Name: City of Boston (MA)

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0073

Award Amount: $63,546

Abstract: The Boston Police Department (BPD) Physical Comparison Unit (PCU), a part of the larger 

BPD Forensic Group, is responsible for providing clearances for priority violent crimes with ballistic 

analyses, analyzing evidence of shots fired at locations identified by ShotSpotter, searching items for 

latent prints, and ensuring successful prosecution in related cases with high-quality analysis. Over the last 

few years, the BPD has enjoyed acclaim and distinction for other units in the Forensic Group, particularly 

its Crime Laboratory, whose DNA section was the first NFSTC accredited public DNA laboratory in New 

England. The Latent Print Unit has also recently gained accreditation through the use of contracted 

specialists funded through past Coverdell grants awarded to the BPD. Having seen firsthand the benefits 

of instituting comprehensive improvements to its forensic analysis, the BPD are committed to extending 

this level of high-quality and cutting-edge forensic service to the Firearms Analysis Section and applying 

for accreditation in 2013.

The BPD has initiated a three-phase plan for the Section, commencing with an external audit by FoCoSS 

Forensics using in-kind funds. Their report identified four key areas for Section improvement: Training, 
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Technical Expertise and Review, Operational Policies and Procedures, and Quality Assurance and 

Control. The BPD seeks Coverdell funding for the final phases of its strategy, centering on completing 

the training plans of individual firearm examiners, and a final audit to ensure that BPD not only meets but 

exceeds the standards needed for accreditation. 

The BPD carries out a significant amount of forensic analysis as a large portion of Massachusetts criminal 

incidents fall within the City of Boston’s jurisdiction. After a significant decline during the late 1990’s, 

the City has faced a somewhat steady increase in homicides and nonfatal shootings. In response to the 

violence, firearm arrests have increased, with 980 firearm offenders being arrested in 2011 alone. 

Responding to increased caseloads as well as the City’s increasing reliance on forensic capabilities to 

investigate and prosecute violent criminals, the BPD is applying for critically needed funds to support a 

firearms-focused Latent Print Examiner, whose assistance is expected to reduce the PCU backlog by 10-

12%.

Finally, the BPD is seeking to continue employing a Forensic System Administrator who has been 

instrumental in the implementation of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) in the BPD 

Forensic Group. The FSA would continue to maintain the LIMS, as BPD does not have the funds to 

purchase a support contract from the vendor at this time. Furthermore, the FSA is currently working on 

programming and developing a customized Digital Imaging Management System (DIMS) for the BPD 

Forensic Group. Given chain of custody, evidence integrity, and physical space issues, this is critical to 

the success of the Forensic Group’s analysis. Additionally, the improvement of BPD information systems 

allows forensic examiners to spend less time writing reports and more time dedicated to forensic analysis.

Critical to both the maintenance of a safe community and to the credibility and accountability of a police 

department to the community it serves, is the department’s ability to respond to a crime scene, and 

analyze and process evidence with the highest standards, quality assurances and expertise. Without FY12 

Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement funding, the BPD will not be able to apply for the Firearm 

Analysis Section’s accreditation in 2013, nor will the BPD will be able to meet the demands currently 

placed upon its Forensic Group. A delay in attaining accreditation and a decrease in vitally important 

Forensic Group personnel would have an acutely negative impact on violent crime investigation in the 

City of Boston.

FY12 Recipient Name: State of Michigan

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0049

Award Amount: $226,025

Abstract: The Michigan State Police will utilize grant funding to improve the quality and timeliness of 

service delivery in the Forensic Science Division's Firearms, Controlled Substances, Latent Prints, and 

Trace Evidence units.

The requested funding will be used to continue payroll support for two funded positions in the Firearms 

and Controlled Substances units. This will support Michigan’s consolidated plan for forensic 

laboratories, aligning specifically with the following goals:

1. Determine baseline resources required to keep pace with increasing service needs.

2. Develop and provide quality selection criteria, training, and career development.

FY12 Recipient Name: Minnesota Department of Public Safety

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0011

Award Amount: $122,321
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Abstract: Forensic Science services are provided to the citizens of Minnesota primarily by three 

ASCLD-LAB accredited laboratories, the MN BCA Forensic Science Service, the Hennepin County 

Sheriff’s Office Laboratory and the Minneapolis Police Department Laboratory. The directors of the 

three laboratories met and agreed on a state plan that divides the funds available in the base grant based 

on the population served by each agency. In general, the state plan for use of Coverdell funding is to 

support laboratory accreditation, continuing education of scientific staff, the purchase of supplies used to 

perform daily work, and overtime hours to allow staff to work on reducing the case backlog and improve 

timeliness of reports. Ten percent of the state allocation will be used by the Minnesota Office of Justice 

Programs for grant administration and compliance.

FY12 Recipient Name: Missouri Department of Public Safety

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0003

Award Amount: $137,559

Abstract: As the demands on crime laboratories increase, it is essential that crime laboratory personnel -

in all forensic science disciplines – are adequately trained, competent and proficient in the latest forensic 

technologies and methodologies. As a result, training, education and certification are keys to Missouri’s 

statewide plan to improve the delivery and quality of forensic science services its crime laboratories 

provide to the law enforcement communities they serve. Additionally, laboratory accreditation is 

paramount to the overall success of Missouri’s crime laboratories. 

The Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS) will coordinate with the Missouri Association of Crime 

Laboratory Directors (MACLD) to use Missouri’s portion of base funding [$138,857] from the FY12 

Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program for:

- providing forensic science training and education for the personnel of Missouri’s crime 

laboratories 

- maintenance of laboratory accreditation.

This is a continuing Coverdell-funded program that will provide professional training in a variety of 

forensic science disciplines including DNA testing, firearms, impression & pattern evidence, 

drug/toxicology, trace evidence, arson and drug chemistry as well as areas such as ISO accreditation, 

management, process mapping, auditing, and inspections/assessments. Funding will also allow crime 

laboratories to prepare for and maintain accreditation. 

This program will directly improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science services provided to the 

law enforcement community of Missouri by increasing examiner proficiency, competency, knowledge, 

skills and abilities. This program involves all of Missouri’s crime laboratories - those operated by units 

of local government and those operated by the State - and will be administered by Missouri’s State 

Administrating Agency - the Missouri Department of Public Safety. 

FY12 Recipient Name: Department of Public Safety (MS)

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0054

Award Amount: $68,166

Abstract: The goal of the FY2012 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program is to 

provide laboratories with the tools needed to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services that 

they provide.
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The Mississippi Crime Laboratory (MCL) proposes to accomplish the goal of the Program by meeting the 

following objective:

The objective of the proposal being submitted is to improve the quality and timeliness of Toxicological 

Analyses provided to the Criminal Justice System in Mississippi by the purchase of a new Dual Capillary 

Gas Chromatography System with Nitrogen Phosphorus Detectors and Autosampler to replace the current 

instrument which was installed in 1992 and has become obsolete. 

Achieving the objective will require the purchase of a new Dual Capillary Gas Chromatography System 

with Nitrogen Phosphorus Detectors, Autosampler and Data System to replace the current instrument 

which was installed in 1992 and has become obsolete. This will provide the toxicologists with the 

reliable instrumentation necessary to accomplish their tasks. Specifications will be supplied for 

instrumentation upon request. Acquisition of instruments will comply with the State of Mississippi 

policies for purchasing. Where there is justification to purchase from a single source, approval will be 

sought at state and federal levels to do so.

FY12 Recipient Name: Harrison County Sheriff's Office (MS)

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0071

Award Amount: $67,323

Abstract: The goal of this project is to improve the HCSO Forensic Science Unit’s current operations by 

providing additional personnel, training for the additional personnel, evidence management software, and 

expendable laboratory supplies which are all necessary to improve the quality, effectiveness and 

efficiency through the use of the HCSO’s Forensic Laboratory. The objectives will be met by drastically 

increasing the amount of time the forensic technician will be able to spend on forensic processing in the 

HCSO Forensic Laboratory. Currently the average number of days between a request for forensic 

processing and the issuing of a report is about 9 days. This is far too long for Investigators to wait for 

vital evidence analysis; especially when the HCSO has an in house forensic laboratory with state of the 

art forensic equipment. Also, the for the first 3 full months of 2012 HCSO has only utilized forensic 

processing for 26 cases, and that includes latent print evaluation and laboratory processing. This number 

could be significantly increased with the addition of personnel.

The funds requested in this proposal will be utilized for the salary, benefits package, office hardware, and 

training for the one year employment of an Evidence Custodian. The funds will also be utilized for the 

purchase of comprehensive evidence tracking software and barcode system to ensure the chain of custody 

for all evidence will be accurately and efficiently maintained from collection to final disposal. Also, the 

funds will be used for expendable supplies needed to utilize the most current generally accepted 

laboratory forensic processing techniques. The description, uses and impact include: 

1. The employment of an Evidence Custodian: The everyday handling of evidence is a very time 

consuming responsibility and leaves little time for forensic functions. The nature of forensic 

work is meticulous, tedious, and the forensic technician must take the appropriate amount of time 

necessary to ensure accurate examination and evaluation of evidence. Due to the fact that one 

person is responsible for all forensic and evidence functions, these forensic functions can be

delayed by a matter of days, weeks, or in some cases, months. The addition of personnel would 

allow for the separation of duties; one Forensic Technician, and one Evidence Custodian, thus 

freeing up the current Technician to focus solely on forensic functions. This would increase the 

effectiveness and timeliness of all forensic functions dramatically. Also, the separation of duties 

would ensure that the same person cannot freely walk about the evidence vault, process scenes, 
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process evidence, dispose of evidence, etc. A separation of duties would ensure a checks and 

balances system that is paramount to maintaining the integrity of the chain-of-custody.

a. The funds would also be used for the computer, computer accessories (monitor, 

keyboard, mouse, and software) the Evidence Custodian would utilize in everyday work 

related duties. Also, training is an integral part of ensuring proper procedures and 

generally accepted practices are being strictly followed. A portion of funds would be 

used for the registration fee, travel, lodging, and per diem for the Evidence Custodian to 

attend a two day training course specific to the duties of an Evidence and Property 

Custodian. This would be beneficial to both the Evidence Custodian and the HCSO. 

2. The purchase of comprehensive evidence tracking software and barcode system: Currently the 

HCSO utilizes paper property invoices generated on a Word document. The Deputy or 

Investigator submitting evidence must type in all the necessary fields for each property invoice, 

then describe the items being submitted to the vault, the Evidence Custodian then signs the chainof-custody section, assigning the item a location in the vault, and files the paper. Every time the 

items location gets changed (e.g. submission to and return from the Mississippi Crime 

Laboratory) the paper must be pulled from the filing cabinet and the chain of custody section 

must be signed indicating the property’s whereabouts. This process is very time consuming and 

could be expedited tremendously with the addition of a software system specifically designed to 

track evidence with the click of a button or the scan of a barcode. The system is able to generate 

detailed, transparent, and auditable chain of custody records from collection to final disposal 

which will only improve confidence and credibility of evidence in court. The system also allows 

for date-time stamps on all changes and electronic signatures for security. This software system 

is an essential solution devised specifically for the life-cycle management of evidence.

3. The purchase of expendable laboratory supplies: The HCSO has recently acquired state of the art 

forensic laboratory equipment. The use of this equipment requires supplies that are expendable 

and are a large cost to agencies under a strict budget. Some of the laboratory supplies that will be 

purchased include: blood detection chemicals (bluestar, amido black), serological evidence 

collection kits and supplies (swabs, swab boxes, distilled water), presumptive test kits (blood and 

semen), latent print processing and collection supplies (lift tape, gel lifters, various chemicals, 

fingerprint powders, photographic scales, trace evidence collection (tweezers and scalpels), and a 

firearms serial number restoration kit.

The addition of the above listed personnel and evidence management system will give the HCSO the 

ability to increase efficiency in all aspects of evidence management and forensic processing. This 

increased efficiency for the Forensic Technician will allow for a reduction in backlogged casework. It 

will also allow for the decrease in the number of days taken to process an item of evidence and generate a 

report; thus getting Investigators important information much faster.

FY12 Recipient Name: Montana Board of Crime Control

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0045

Award Amount: $63,517

Abstract: The Forensic Science Division Laboratory (FSDL) is the only laboratory in the State of 

Montana and provides forensic services to all the law enforcement agencies in the State. The State 
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Medical Examiner’s Office is also a part of the laboratory. The four main project goals include: Maintain 

accreditation by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/ Laboratory Advisory Board 

(ASCLD/LAB); Maintain accreditation by the American Board of Forensic Toxicologists (ABFT); 

Provide training and continuing education for our staff; and is to have a 30-day turnaround in sections of 

the lab, while maintaining a 60 day turn around in the DNA section. These goals will be achieved through 

meeting various objectives such as: Providing professional testimony in every court appearance; 

Expanding technology and improving investigative and analytical capabilities; Provide for an efficient 

and effective death investigative system; Maintain professionalism, teamwork, courtesy and competence; 

and recognize the value of laboratory staff and consider them the most important asset of the 

organization. The methods to achieve the goals and objectives will be through various expenditures in 

staff travel and training, contracted services and personnel services.

FY12 Recipient Name: Nebraska State Patrol

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0057

Award Amount: $63,517

Abstract: The Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, the State 

Administering Agency, has delegated the administration of this grant project to the Nebraska State Patrol. 

The Nebraska State Patrol Crime Laboratory (NSPCL) and the University of Nebraska Medical Center –

Human DNA Identification Laboratory (UNMC/HDIL) are the only two accredited laboratories in 

Nebraska. Medical examiners are appointed by county attorneys as needed.

A state plan was collaboratively developed in 2002 between the NSPCL and the UNMC/HDIL which 

authored a collaborative plan to increase forensic laboratory efficiencies. Since that time, the 

UNMC/HDIL and the NSPCL have renewed their commitment to provide exemplary forensic laboratory 

services. To further that effort, FY12 Coverdell funds will be utilized by both state laboratories to 

improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services statewide and reduce backlog.

As with most states, Nebraska has been experiencing budget shortfalls. Agencies have not filled 

vacancies and are operating on reduced budgets. These economic strains are compounded by increased 

expenses which has hindered their ability to maintain case turn around and/or take advantage of 

technological advances. The need to replace outdated laboratory equipment and update management 

processes strains the budget further. Budgets related to continuing education opportunities continue to be 

reduced and/or eliminated. 

The objective of this project is to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic laboratory services 

available within the state of Nebraska. 

Specifically, FY12 Coverdell funds will be shared by the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Laboratory and the 

UNMC/HDIL. $18,856 has been allocated to UNMC/HDIL and the remaining funds to the NSPCL. 

UNMC/HDIL will use the funds to purchase a Sperm Hy-Liter, maintain accreditation status, and travel 

for continuing education opportunities. The NSPCL will use the funds to provide continuing education 

opportunities and purchase a document management system. To fund these priorities, budgets for travel, 

supplies, equipment and contracted services are included. 

The Nebraska State Patrol Crime Laboratory utilizes a time reporting system and the Porter Lee Beast 

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to monitor statistics related to this project. 

UNMC/HDIL will be required to submit a progress report on a regular basis. The data collected relating

to these matrices will be reported on semi-annual progress reports and the final progress report upon 

completion of the project. 
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FY12 Recipient Name: Nevada Department of Public Safety

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0041

Award Amount: $63,517

Abstract: The Nevada Department of Public Safety (NDPS) supports the Washoe County Sherriff’s 

Office Forensic Science Division’s (WCSO-FSD) plan to reduce the backlog in the analysis of forensic 

science evidence with respect to firearms examinations. Virtually all State, Local and Federal agencies 

with a combined total of 80 agencies throughout northern Nevada depend on the results of firearms tests 

conducted by the Forensic Science Division. This represents 14 counties and according to the 2010 

Census, a population of 743,150 citizens. The Firearms Section has been short-staffed since the end of 

2010, and has made efforts to improve the timeliness of forensic science services through the Firearms 

Section Capacity Enhancement Project funded by the 2010 and 2011 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science 

Improvement grants. 

The Firearms Section Capacity Enhancement Project provides for the services of a highly skilled and 

experienced Firearms Examiner, through a contract with Noedel Scientific, who has been able to train a 

new Firearms Examiner trainee, perform verification of identifications and technical review of firearms 

casework, and perform firearms examination and comparison casework. The project has been successful 

in making steps toward a fully staffed and trained Firearms Section, however with Nevada’s status as 

having the number one unemployment rate in the country and a struggling economy throughout Nevada, 

budget cuts at the local county level resulted in the complete elimination of one permanent fulltime 

Firearms Examiner position that was within weeks of being filled. WCSO-FSD has neither the funds nor 

the internal personnel to keep up with the demands to examine firearms evidence in a timely manner, and 

the Firearms Section is faced with the possibility of falling further behind without the funding to continue 

the Firearms Section Capacity Enhancement Project. Page 3 of 12 2012 Coverdell FSI Grant: Firearms 

Section Capacity Enhancement Project WCSO-FSD plans to utilize the 2012 Coverdell funding to 

continue the contract with Noedel Scientific for the services of an experienced Firearms Examiner with 

these three objectives: 

a) Train the newly hired Firearms Examiner Trainee utilizing an intensive, accelerated program, 

b) Perform verification of identifications and technical review of firearms casework, 

c) Perform firearms examination and comparison casework. His participation allows the Division to 

increase the capacity of firearms casework and continue to provide service to our client agencies while 

preparing the Firearms Examiner Trainee to provide those services in the future. Funding for an additional 

year of this project will allow the Contract firearms Examiner to act in the capacity of a mentor for the 

newly trained Firearms Examiner in addition to continuing to assist with firearms casework and provide 

technical review and verification for the newly trained Firearms Examiner and the Supervising 

Criminalist. 

The Firearms Section of the Division is currently staffed at one full-time Firearms Examiner trainee, two 

part-time IBIS (Integrated Ballistic Identification System) Technicians (both which are completely funded 

through Coverdell Grants), a part-time contracted Firearms Examiner (funded through the Coverdell 

Grant) and a Supervising Criminalist. The addition of an IBIS Technician in the first year of the Firearms 

Section Capacity Enhancement Project and the addition of the contracted Firearms Examiner have been 

instrumental in the laboratories ability to increase the amount of casework completed and decrease the 

backlog of cases in the Firearms Section.

FY12 Recipient Name: State of New Hampshire
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Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0062

Award Amount: $63,517

Abstract: Funding under the National Forensic Science Improvement Act grant will be used to enhance 

the ongoing activities of the New Hampshire State Police Forensic Laboratory and the Office of the Chief 

Medical Examiner. The New Hampshire State Police Forensic Laboratory is currently the sole provider of 

traditional forensic laboratory services in New Hampshire and is fully ASCLD/LAB accredited. Funding, 

under this formula program will be used to enhance the capabilities of the laboratory by arranging for 

training for forensic laboratory personnel and for an ongoing ASCLD/LAB maintenance contract.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will use these funds to continue support for evidence 

cataloguing staff position at the office, to contract with medical professionals in order to maintain the 

continuity of operations in the medical examiner’s office, to allow for required morgue usage and to 

support the maintenance of medical examiner communications. The staff position is a continuation of a 

previously funded grant position that assists the office with the cataloguing of evidence and the overall 

enhancement of the operation of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. That position has proven 

invaluable in making the overall office more efficient and allowing other staff members to concentrate on 

their respective jobs.

FY12 Recipient Name: City of Dover (NH)

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0026

Award Amount: $129,860

Abstract: The funds from the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program will be used 

to improve the overall capabilities of the Dover Police Department’s Crime Scene Unit in several ways. 

The first is to enhance the department’s ability to examine footwear, latent print evidence and biological 

evidence in the Dover Police Department’s laboratory through the purchase of new equipment and 

software. The funds would also be used to raise the level of expertise of the department’s Crime Scene 

Unit by providing training and certifications for Crime Scene Unit personnel. The purchase of a new 

Digital Information Management System (DIMS), will certainly improve the timeliness and quality of 

digital evidence and storage. Lastly, the funds will assist the Dover Police Department by decreasing the 

backlog of cases involving footwear by enabling a member of the Crime Scene Unit to obtain IAI 

certification as a footwear examiner. 

FY12 Recipient Name: State of New Mexico

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0036

Award Amount: $63,517

Abstract: The State of New Mexico has seen fiscal economic impacts through the last 5 years. Included 

in those impacts has been the continual dwindling of major grant program funds. There has been a 

strategic collaborative effort throughout the state to maximize the benefits of funds allotted by program 

grants such as Paul Coverdell for use in forensic labs. The State of New Mexico has generated a 

collaborative Statewide Forensic Science Services Plan (NM-FSSP) which addresses the needs of all 

forensic labs in the state.

The New Mexico Department of Public Safety is the State Administrating Agency (SAA) for the state of 

New Mexico. As the SAA, we utilized the NM-FSSP to plan the priority initiatives. These priorities 

include the continued goal to help improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science and medical 

examiner services. Funds will be used to eliminate a current backlog in the analysis of forensic evidence 

and to train and employ forensic personnel to eliminate such backlog.
FY2012 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program Abstracts

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One of the major components of any successful forensic laboratory to operate effectively and efficiently 

is through its personnel base. These forensic analysts are required to analyze samples to produce credible 

evidence for criminal cases through their analytical and technical skills. This requires rigorous training 

and experience standards in order to provide reliable, accurate, and unbiased forensic science analysis. 

Therefore, the most important element of the laboratory will focus on the support from the Paul Coverdell 

funds to maintain well qualified staff within the four laboratories to insure precise and unfailing 

laboratory results to all the major stakeholders of New Mexico’s forensic labs. The other focus will 

concentrate on providing overtime to the analysts to address ongoing efforts to improve turnaround times 

and reduce the current backlog issues. 

This application has been prepared with the assistance of the following Forensic Laboratory partners: NM 

Department of Public Safety (NMDPS) Forensic Laboratories, which operates three labs, one located in 

the northern New Mexico, one in southern NM, and a third located in the southeast corner of the state; the 

Albuquerque Police Department (APD) Crime Lab, the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator 

(OMI) which is overseen by the University of New Mexico (UNM), and the New Mexico Department of 

Health’s (NMDOH) Scientific Laboratory Division (SLD). 

The Department of Public Safety has elected to divide available competitive funding with 58% going to 

the Department of Public Safety’s Laboratory system, 19% going to the APD Crime Lab, 19% going to 

the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, and 4% going to the New Mexico Department of 

Health’s SLD. This application contains the individual abstracts, narratives, project plans, budgets, and 

certifications of each NM-FSSP. 

The Paul Coverdell Base Formula grant funds are utilized to support the Statewide Forensic Science 

Services Plan which meets the needs of forensic laboratory stakeholders throughout the State of New 

Mexico

FY12 Recipient Name: New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0035

Award Amount: $293,334

Abstract: Utilizing funds provided under the formula allocation, the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) 

Office of Forensic Sciences (OFS) proposes to further develop and enhance forensic capabilities among 

State and local agencies. As a long term plan began under previous Coverdell Grant awards, funding 

from this year’s grant will supply the resources to provide New Jersey’s forensic practitioners with the 

necessary knowledge, skills and capabilities to ensure high quality, timely forensic services throughout 

the State. 

Procurement of essential equipment and training will aid in achieving and maintaining accreditation and 

ultimately ensure that services and analyses provided by all the State’s agencies are of the highest 

standard. Funds from this grant will be used to replace outdated but essential equipment, as well as 

provide proficiency testing and training opportunities for the NJSP OFS and NJSP Ballistics Unit. 

A competitive process for State, county and local forensic and ballistics laboratories and medical 

examiners offices will enable them to obtain funding in support of the statewide goals and the purposes of 

the FY 2012 Paul Coverdell Grant. Training and equipment necessary to increase productivity, timeliness 

and quality of forensic sciences will be a consideration under this initiative.

FY12 Recipient Name: New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0008
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Award Amount: $445,477

Abstract: This proposal seeks base funding in the amount of $404,712 less NYS Division of Criminal 

Justice Services (DCJS) State administrative costs $44,968. Funding will provide applicants with 

resources to help continue to improve the quality and timeliness of public forensic and medical examiner 

services (medical examiner services refers to Toxicology only for the purpose of this application). As the 

state administering agency, DCJS is working closely with New York State’s forensic and medical 

examiner Laboratories to improve each laboratory’s efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of 

forensic analysis services to their client agencies. As a requirement to receive funding under this grant 

announcement, laboratories were required to submit to DCJS a certification stating that they had an 

improvement plan detailing how Coverdell funding would help to reduce/eliminate backlogs and improve 

overall timeliness and quality of forensic and medical examiner services. In addition to the laboratory 

improvement plan, all laboratories within NYS are required to participate in technical working groups 

whose purpose it is to improve the quality of forensic sciences within NYS. As presented in the program 

narrative and budget, much of the Coverdell funds requested will support laboratory equipment and 

personnel/fringe expenses. 

The former will primarily help to increase lab efficiency and allow lab staff to complete multiple tasks 

simultaneously while the latter will support staff hours to help reduce/eliminate case backlogs and to 

allow more time for the lab to process time sensitive cases. Specific project goals, objectives, tasks, etc. 

are included in the program narrative portion of the application.

FY12 Recipient Name: Monroe County (NY)

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0029

Award Amount: $71,622

Abstract: The Monroe County Office of the Medical Examiner (MCOME) is a regional office that 

provides forensic death investigation and autopsy services for a twelve county region of New York State. 

In 2011, we were awarded Coverdell funding to replace aging equipment and to provide continuing 

education for our staff. As we progress toward our goals of delivering the highest quality of forensic 

services possible and becoming accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME), it 

is imperative that we streamline our operation by taking advantage of digital technology, and by updating 

the training of the staff. This application addresses the present state of our operation and the areas that 

can be improved within the twelve month period of the grant.

The goals of this project are to:

• Streamline our services by taking advantage of digital technology, including replacement of 

an obsolete computed radiography (CR) X-ray system, and transitioning from paper to digital 

death scene documentation.

• Advance the knowledge and expertise of our staff by providing continuing education for 

pathologists and investigators.

• Provide supplies for collection and retention of DNA samples, and reenactment dolls for 

investigation of sudden infant deaths.

Coordination of all available resources is essential for the current and future success of forensic 

operations at the Monroe County Office of the Medical Examiner. The Office’s operational budget 

covers personnel, some supplies, and vehicles that are the most essential to our legally mandated 

functions. We do not have the resources to purchase major pieces of equipment, or to send our staff to 

the most relevant training available. The proposed project cannot happen without grant funding.
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FY12 Recipient Name: North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0058

Award Amount: $220,995

Abstract: Two crime laboratories in North Carolina (the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory and the 

City-County Bureau of Identification Crime Laboratory) and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner 

have established a plan to improve forensic services in the state. 

The member agencies will use the 2012 funding to address bottlenecks to improve efficiency in forensic 

casework. As the technology base for forensic science increases, the need for highly sophisticated 

instrumentation increases; local and state budgets cannot address all equipment needs because of a lack of 

resources. This funding will allow such equipment to be purchased, thereby increasing the capabilities 

and efficiency of the participating laboratories. 

Funding will be used for the training of analysts, including registration costs and associated travel, to 

facilitate the increased professionalism and knowledge base of the forensic staff. 

Each laboratory identified the most critical needs and formulated a request for funds based on these 

needs.

FY12 Recipient Name: City of Winston-Salem (NC)

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0032

Award Amount: $34,186

Abstract: Located in Forsyth County, North Carolina, the City of Winston-Salem is the largest city in the 

county and the fourth largest city in the state. According to 2010 United States Census Data, the 

population of Winston-Salem is 229,617. Its law enforcement agency, the Winston-Salem Police 

Department, is the primary law enforcement agency for the county. The Police Department’s Forensic 

Services Division performs forensic services that include (but are not limited to) videotaping, 

photographing, and sketching the crime scene; identifying, collecting, and preserving evidence; and 

locating, developing, and preserving latent prints. The Forensic Services Division responds to an average 

of 5,800 calls annually. 

The Winston-Salem Police Department is requesting $34,186 in Paul Coverdell Forensic Science 

Improvement Grant funding to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services. Funding will be 

used to train and certify a member of the Forensic Services Division in firearm and tool mark 

examination; to purchase a stereo microscope and a magnetic particle inspection kit to provide new 

analytical capabilities, including serial number restoration; and to upgrade the agency’s Live Scan 

fingerprinting system to allow for quicker and more accurate searching of possible matches in both local 

and regional arrestee fingerprint databases. These activities will enable the Winston-Salem Police 

Department to:

1. Enhance the quality and timeliness of forensic services by eliminating a backlog in the analysis of 

firearm evidence;

2. Train a Forensic Services Division member in firearm examination, enabling firearm analysis to 

be conducted locally; and

3. Strengthen the quality and timeliness of forensic services by providing for more accurate 

fingerprint reading technology, while enabling fingerprints to be searched and compared to local 

and regional databases

The Winston-Salem Police Department will use Coverdell Grant funding to: 
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1. Reduce the amount of time for firearms to be examined and identified from 21 days to 3 days. 

This outcome will be achieved through the training of a Forensic Services Division member in 

firearm and tool mark examination and the purchase of a magnetic particle inspection kit for 

serial number restoration.

2. Reduce the amount of time for prisoner fingerprinting and identification from 86 minutes to 30 

minutes. This outcome will be achieved by upgrading the current Live Scan fingerprinting 

system. 

3. Improve the overall quality of forensic services through training in firearm and tool mark 

examination. One Forensic Services Division member will attend the National Firearms 

Examination Academy during the grant’s one-year period.

FY12 Recipient Name: North Dakota

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0053

Award Amount: $63,517

Abstract: The Office of Attorney General, Crime Laboratory Division provides scientific support to the 

state’s criminal justice system by use of accepted techniques in the analysis, identification, and 

comparison of physical and toxicological evidence involved in the investigation and prosecution of 

criminal offenses. The ND Crime Laboratory currently has eighteen employees. The ND Crime 

Laboratory is a full service Laboratory that processes over 10,000 criminal cases a year, which include the 

disciplines of arson/explosive debris analysis, blood/breath alcohol analysis, offender data basing, DNA 

casework, drug analysis, firearms/toolmarks examinations, latent fingerprint development, and 

toxicological analysis. The Crime Laboratory staff also holds training classes to assist law enforcement 

agencies in pursuit of their daily duties.

The only government agency that will receive Coverdell award funds is the North Dakota Office of 

Attorney General, Crime Laboratory Division. The North Dakota Attorney General has general 

investigatory powers relative to actions or omissions of state agencies. Investigations of such allegations 

are conducted by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation. In addition, the North Dakota 

Bureau of Criminal Investigation Division has a memorandum of understanding with South Dakota 

Bureau of Criminal Investigation to perform external investigation if requested.

Funding will be used to complete two objectives: 

1) To hire a temporary Forensic Scientist and 

2) Provide funding for the annual accreditation fee.

The overall objective is to improve the quality and timeliness of the services provided by the Crime 

Laboratory Division. 

FY12 Recipient Name: Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0061

Award Amount: $264,216

Abstract: In the ever-evolving world of forensics, it is vital that trained scientists, pathologists, medical

examiners, and coroners’ offices are equipped with the most ground-breaking technology, equipment, and

data possible. This is true for two reasons: these personnel must be on the cutting-edge of their field in

order to best serve their communities by providing the most effective services possible. Additionally, 
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certain standards set by appropriate accrediting entities must be met within such agencies that encompass

all aspects of laboratory operations. In order to meet these principles, it is important that forensic

organizations have the ability to employ qualified staff who can reduce or eliminate analysis of forensic

science evidence backlog. Also, it is necessary that agencies have the means to calibrate and maintain

certain equipment, purchase equipment that allows them to expand current capabilities, and attend

training opportunities that will place them on the forefront of forensic science advancement. 

Goal: 

To ensure that all eligible crime laboratories in Ohio improve the quality, timeliness, and credibility of 

forensic sciences services for criminal justice purposes. 

Objectives:

1. For employment of qualified personnel to assist in the reduction or elimination of backlog in the 

area of analysis of forensic science evidence. 

2. For scientists and pathologists to obtain the most recent information available on forensic analysis 

through professional conferences, instrument manufacturers, training agencies, and networking 

with colleagues. 

3. Obtain and upgrade equipment and computer technology that will maintain or enhance laboratory 

accreditation, quality assurance, and analytical ability. Also, obtain important supplies such as 

proficiency tests and reference books for use by laboratory personnel. 

4. Contract with experienced vendors who offer essential forensic training and technical assistance 

to maintain the standards of ASCLD/LAB accreditation.

FY12 Recipient Name: Montgomery County (OH)

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0065

Award Amount: $95,500

Abstract: The Miami Valley Regional Crime Laboratory (MVRCL) is submitting this proposal for the 

purpose of improving the quality of our trace evidence analysis services to law enforcement agencies in 

southwestern Ohio. If awarded, funds would be used to purchase a comparison microscope for use in the 

Trace Evidence Section of the Laboratory. The objective of purchasing this microscope is to replace an 

existing comparison microscope which is more than 25 years old. The optics in the current comparison 

microscope has failed making it inadequate and difficult to use. Our goal with the purchase of a new 

microscope is to increase the timeliness of hair and fiber comparison requests.

The purchase of the comparison microscope will include additional objectives and filters; computer and 

monitor; a tablet; a microscope camera; a polarizer; installation; and training. This unit will be used by the 

scientists in the Trace Evidence Section. The analysts will use the microscope to identify and compare 

hairs and fibers in a variety of criminal cases. The computer and tablet will be used for training, 

confirmation of positive comparisons and consultation between the scientists in the section.

FY12 Recipient Name: Oklahoma District Attorneys Council

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0004

Award Amount: $86,772

Abstract: In Oklahoma numerous law enforcement agencies provide forensic science and/or medical 

examiner services in one, or more than one, of the most common forensic science disciplines. The State of 

Oklahoma respectfully requests to utilize the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Formula Grant 
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to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner services for the criminal 

justice system in the State of Oklahoma and to reduce or eliminate the backlog of evidence in forensic 

science cases by funding six (6) state and local forensic science labs. The labs in this proposal include the 

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), the Tulsa Police Department (TPD), the Office of the 

Medical Examiner (OCME), the Broken Arrow Police Department (BAPD), the Ardmore Police 

Department (APD), and the Norman Police Department (NPD).

The State of Oklahoma is eligible for $87,590 under the FY2012 Coverdell Forensic Science 

Improvement Formula Grant Program. As the state administering agency for the Coverdell Grants, the 

Oklahoma District Attorneys Council will use ten percent (10%), or 

$8,759, of the allocated funds for personnel costs and operating expenses needed to implement the grant 

program. The remaining funds will be allocated to the six (6) participating labs based on the number of 

full-time analysts at the individual lab compared to the total number of analysts for all participating labs.

Because of deep budget cuts at the local and state levels, the most common use for Coverdell Formula Grant 

funds is for continuing education and training. Continuing education and training improve the quality and 

timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner services through increased knowledge and expertise, as 

well as the development of new techniques, sample prep, and analysis that help reduce backlogs and bring 

new more effective, time-saving processes to the various laboratories. 

In addition, funding will be used by the OSBI for personnel and benefits to pay the overtime for personnel 

to process case backlogs and APD will utilize funds to pay accreditation fees and assessment costs.

FY12 Recipient Name: Oregon State Police

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0050

Award Amount: $88,611

Abstract: The scope of this proposal is to decrease the latent print backlog through the use of overtime 

and increase the efficiency in all forensic disciplines through continuing education and training. The 

objectives are (1.) to provide overtime for latent print examiners to assist in reducing the backlog and (2.) 

to provide training and continuing education opportunities to all forensic scientists to assist with 

maintaining proficiency or obtaining competency.

For objective 1, we will use overtime in latent prints (LP). We currently have 18.5 analyst assigned to the 

latent print discipline, with 14 working full time doing latent print processing and comparisons and 4.5 

proficient to perform latent print processing only. In 2011, two forensic scientists were training in latent 

print comparisons and one LP examiner retired. We received 3303 latent print requests in 2011, ~275 per 

month. The latent print backlog (>30 days old) at the beginning of 2011 was 871 with 652 requests 

greater than 30 days old. The current backlog, as of April 30, 2012, was 794 requests with 619 requests 

being greater than 30 days old. During 2011, the average number of requests per analyst was ~15 requests 

per month. Thus, with 18.5 analysts, we can work ~277.5 requests per month and reduce the backlog by 

2.5 requests per month. Using overtime, we should be able to reduce the backlog by an additional 40 

requests in a 12 month period. In addition to overtime, we will use process mapping to evaluate the 

workflow and identify areas for efficiency improvements. We will increase the number of examiners 

dedicated to working latent print requests full time as we are currently training two analysts to perform 

comparisons and we will utilize overtime to address the backlog. We anticipate being able to reduce the 

backlog to ~ 536 requests by the end of the project period.

To meet objective 2, analysts will participate in various training opportunities to either fulfill training 

requirements for competency or to maintain proficiency. Training may include attendance at professional 

conferences (e.g., CLIC, SOFT, & AAFS) or workshops. Attendance at meetings, conferences and 
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workshops will assist analysts in meeting requirements to obtain competency or maintain proficiency and 

keep current with new technologies. In addition, we will provide training opportunities to maintain a 

proficient, confident workforce. The subsequent expected outcome will be increased productivity, 

decreased turnaround times and thus, more timely quality service to our customers.

FY12 Recipient Name: City of Salem (OR)

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0023

Award Amount: $78,300

Abstract: The Salem Police Department Crime Lab’s ability to find and capture physical evidence in the 

least destructive manner possible and to provide high quality, timely results is hampered by its current 

available resources. The need for better quality equipment has been recognized. The Department has 

actively researched available products to assist the Crime Lab in their efforts. A 532nm Green Forensic 

Laser System, such as that produced by Coherent, has been identified as a product that will improve the 

quality and timeliness of processing forensic evidence. Such a laser has been proven successful at 

detecting evidence not detected by other equipment. This evidence includes but is not limited to: 

fingerprints, hairs, fibers, physiological fluids, blood, bruising, arson residues and cleaners. The City of 

Salem is requesting $78,300 in funding from the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant for 

the purchase of a 532nm Green Forensic Laser System, to include an 8W unit and a 4W unit. 

Through acquisition of a 532nm Green Forensic Laser System, the Department will be able to increase 

the amount of physical evidence detected both in the field and in the laboratory, and reduce the amount of 

more aggressive sequential processing steps required to develop evidence and successfully incorporate 

desired chemical development techniques which have failed to yield positive results with the current 

equipment. The success of this piece of equipment will be monitored through the collection of statistical 

data, in which use and positive results are recorded and compared to 2011 findings. 

If funding is awarded, Salem Police Department intends to purchase a larger unit to remain in the Crime 

Lab to be used on a daily basis and taken to crime scenes as needed. A smaller, more compact unit will 

also be purchased to be kept at the Salem Police Department which will be used by units within the 

Department as well as loaned out to other law enforcement agencies in the area.

FY12 Recipient Name: City of Portland (OR)

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0031

Award Amount: $49,675

Abstract: The Portland Police Bureau is the largest police agency in the state of Oregon. The Bureau, 

with over 900 sworn officers and nearly 300 non-sworn members, serves a metropolitan population of 

538,776. One of the key goals of the bureau is to continuously improve work processes. 

With the assistance of previously awarded Coverdell grants the bureau’s Forensic Evidence Division 

(FED) has converted to digital imaging technology for its capture, storage and processing of crime scene 

photography and other evidence. The FED has developed the following goals and objectives: 

Project goals and objectives:

Goal 1: Improve the Portland Police Bureau Forensic Evidence Division's work processes. 

Objective 1: Reduce the time it takes to process forensic quality digital evidence. 

Objective 2: Increase the efficiency of the workflow of crime scene investigators 

Objective 3: Increase the efficiency of the photo processing and printing procedure. 
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Goal 2: Increase the level of service to the bureau’s members, stakeholders and the public. 

Objective 1: Make the process for obtaining crime victims photographs quicker. 

Objective 2: Implement a system that reproduces digital images more efficiently. 

Objective 3: Increase the availability of digital cameras for internal/office processing of evidence 

and victims.

To meet these goals FED would like to obtain additional digital cameras so crime victim photographs and 

digital evidence may be processed more efficiently and quickly; add individual workstations for its crime 

scene staff so they may perform work at their desks for better organization of evidence; and purchase a 

CD/DVD Blu-ray disc burning system to facilitate requests for digital images. 

The acquisition of additional supplies and equipment will allow FED to meet their goals and objectives 

by streamlining workflow processes and organizational methods of evidence processing. Output of digital 

images may be accomplished more quickly and will free up photo lab technicians to work on other digital 

evidence projects. 

In order to achieve the Bureau's goals, the City of Portland is requesting $49,675 in funding from the FY 

2012 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant.

FY12 Recipient Name: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0038

Award Amount: $291,631

Abstract: The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) plans to support projects 

intended to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic lab services, in addition to county medical 

examiner and coroner office services, throughout Pennsylvania, through a competitive solicitation.

As with past Coverdell funding, the focus of these funds will be to reduce or eliminate evidence backlogs 

and in doing so, reduce the processing time, so that cases can be expedited through the state and local 

criminal justice systems.

With the bulk of its FY 2011 formula allocation, PCCD is building upon the earlier developed and 

implemented web based laboratory pre-logging application capable of electronically recording receipt and 

transmission of findings, to now interface with existing criminal justice records management systems. 

With this funding, Pennsylvania's Open Laboratory pre-Log Service (POLLS) project will further extend 

the web-based pre-log application (developed under FY 2007 & 2008 Coverdell funding) to include 

support for open automated electronic data sharing between multiple vendor provided local police 

Evidence Management Systems (EMS) and Records Management Systems (RMS) and the Pennsylvania 

State Police hosted statewide LIMS pre-logging application. A small portion of our FY 2011 formula was 

also used for a competitive solicitation.

FY12 Recipient Name: Instituto de Ciencias Forenses

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0051

Award Amount: $84,830

Abstract: The PRIFS is an ASCLD-LAB-, FBI-, ACGME-, FQS-, and NAME-accredited, full-service 

forensic facility that has served the citizens of Puerto Rico since 1985. FY2012 Paul Coverdell funding 

will be used to provide continuity to consulting services received by a qualified forensic Laboratory 
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Information Management System (LIMS) Database consultant with forensic science experience. This 

valuable resource will continue providing oversight and technical assistance as part of the implementation 

of the Web-Based Star LIMS v.10 application with the aim of 1) drastically enhancing our electronic 

information sharing environment capabilities with criminal-justice-system stakeholders at the Local and 

Federal level; 2) enhancing our information sharing with the Puerto Rico Primary Fusion Center; 3) 

generating turn-around time/throughput and other performance indicator data/productivity statistics for 

process enhancement in an automatic fashion; 4) generating audit-trail log files; 5) generating crystal 

reports; 6) assuring quality assurance measures are executed on a timely fashion; and many other 

important accountability promoting functions. Additionally, funding will be used to retain a 

Firearm/Toolmarks Examiner’s trainer who will continue providing highly cost effective in-house 

training to five (5) future Firearm/Toolmark examiners at the PRIFS. File Maker Pro will be used to 

obtain performance metrics data of interest to the NIJ for all forensic disciplines at the PRIFS. Project 

execution will be carried out through the support of an Organizational Structure that includes one Project 

Coordinator, who will ensure that all the Programmatic goals identified in this proposal are achieved on a 

timely fashion. Quarterly Financial Status Reports (FSRs) will be prepared by the Finances Director and 

submitted on a timely fashion through GMS. A Grants Specialist, who will work closely with operational 

and administrative divisions, will be responsible for: 1) submitting semiannual progress reports; 2) 

identifying difficulties hindering progress; 3) maintaining a binder with all the pertinent documentation 

for any future Grant Progress Assessment (GPA); and 4) submitting the Performance Metric Data 

required by NIJ on a timely fashion.

FY12 Recipient Name: Rhode Island Public Safety Grant Administration Office

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0020

Award Amount: $63,517

Abstract: Rhode Island has used its Coverdell funding to embark on an accreditation readiness program. 

Rhode Island laboratories began the accreditation process with the Coverdell 2002 award. The exercise 

has required that the State Crime Laboratory at the University of Rhode Island and the State Forensic 

Science Laboratory at the Department of Health meet or exceed the required forensic laboratory standards 

that have been identified by international accreditation standards (ISO 17025).

Effective April 9, 2007, the State Crime Laboratory was assessed and found to comply with the 

requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and forensic requirements for accreditation. That accreditation 

expired April 9, 2011. The Laboratory underwent an ISO audit inspection by FQS, Inc. in March of 2011 

and was re-accredited for a second four year term: May 25, 2011 to May 25, 2015. 

To maintain accreditation, the Laboratory must be vigilant in quality control on a daily basis and submit 

to an annual audit by FQS. It is necessary to have a Quality Assurance Officer available in the Laboratory 

for this purpose. As of January 2010 the Laboratory made this a full time position by using funds from the 

Coverdell appropriation and from the state budget appropriation to the Laboratory for its operation. The 

FY 2012 Coverdell award will fund this position from October 1, 2012 through the federal fiscal year 

which ends September 30, 2013 at 26.4800% percent of the current rate of pay with fringe benefits or 

$63,767. The total cost of this position is $89,860 including $57,407 in salary and $32,453 in fringe 

benefits.

FY12 Recipient Name: South Carolina Department of Public Safety

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0033

Award Amount: $107,088
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Abstract: The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the State Administrative Agency for 

the Forensics Sciences Formula Grant Program. Prior to FY2005, the State Law Enforcement Division 

(SLED) had received the entirety of the Forensic Science funds. SLED provides the criminal justice 

community with a full-service state of the art forensic laboratory and is tasked with analyzing samples 

submitted by law enforcement agencies and coroner’s offices throughout the state. To assist regional 

forensic laboratories that provide forensic services to surrounding law enforcement agencies, DPS 

expanded the solicitation beginning in FY2005 to include all forensic labs that would be eligible under 

the guidelines.

The need to decrease the number of backlogged cases at SLED, as well as in regional laboratories, is 

evidenced by the numbers of cases that have not been processed. SLED processes approximately 65,000 

requests yearly. At present they have a backlog of 5,702 cases in six separate forensic departments. 

Based on the needs of the individual departments, overtime hours will be needed to reduce these 

backlogs.

Regional laboratories are also experiencing backlogs due to the number of cases they are receiving from 

local law enforcement agencies in their areas. These laboratories typically have one chemist who is 

responsible for all of the forensic cases that are processed. With the increase in drug arrests in the regions 

where these facilities exist, more cases are being sent directly to these labs rather than SLED and they are 

now beginning to experience backlogs as well. These labs strive to process all drug cases within a week 

to ten days, but this turnaround time has now increased due to the influx of cases.

All the forensic labs strive to increase productivity and efficiency. To accomplish this, the laboratories 

must purchase instrumentation in keeping with current technology standards. Upgrading old and outdated 

equipment will allow for the more rapid processing of evidence, faster case turn around and quicker 

apprehension prosecution and conviction of criminal subjects. 

Project Goals and Objectives

(1) To reduce the number of backlogged cases in the SLED forensic laboratory by 50%.

(2) To reduce the number of backlogged cases in regional forensic laboratories by 50%.

(3) Acquire and install equipment in forensic laboratories to reduce backlogs as well and increase the 

productivity of cases processed.

FY12 Recipient Name: Charleston County (SC)

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0068

Award Amount: $155,266

Abstract: The “Preservation of Forensic Science Evidence Initiative” will be used to improve the quality 

and timeliness of forensic science services in the Charleston County Coroner’s Office (Coroner’s Office) 

by ensuring that all physical evidence and biological material is preserved for the proper amount of time, 

with legal chain of custody, with sufficient documentation to locate the physical evidence and biological 

material and under conditions reasonably designed to preserve the forensic value of the physical evidence 

and biological material. This initiative will ensure all physical evidence and biological material, for 

backlogged cases and those cases hence forth, are properly stored and maintained to ensure the forensic 

quality of the evidence. 

The primary goal of the project is to develop, implement and maintain an evidence management system 

which will improve the quality of forensic evidence in the custody of the Coroner’s Office. The 
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objectives which will be met include: (1) 25% reduction in the number of backlogged and cold case 

articles of evidence which have not been properly documented, tracked and stored (2) Ensure that a 

process is established so that 100% of all new articles of evidence are entered in to a new data/evidence 

management software system and into a secured evidence room. In order to meet these objective the 

following methods will be utilized; (1) A full-time evidence technician will be employed to set up an 

evidence room; (2) Equipment and supplies, to include a refrigerated cooler, will be purchased in order to 

properly set up the evidence room; (3) Forensic data management computerization and software will be 

purchased to ensure that articles of evidence are properly labeled, documented and tracked in the evidence 

room; (4) A consultant forensic anthropologist and consultant forensic odontologist (dentist) will be 

funded to process skeletal and dental evidence. 

A secondary goal of this project is for the Charleston County Coroner’s Office to apply for and receive 

accreditation from the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners (IAC&ME) by 

2014. Successful completion of the primary goal will make it possible for the Charleston County 

Coroner’s Office to be able to meet the required standards of operation which have been established for 

those seeking office accreditation through the IAC&ME. Once those required standards are met, the 

office will be able to set up the required on-site inspections required for accreditation. 

FY12 Recipient Name: City of Charleston (SC)

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0067

Award Amount: $114,837

Abstract: The goal of this project is to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and timeliness of laboratory 

services. 

The City of Charleston Police Forensic Services Division will purchase a universal forensic extraction 

device (UFED) for cell phone examinations and replace the Gas/Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer in 

use since 2001 for controlled substance analysis and fire debris. 

The Forensic Laboratory seeks to: 

1) Reduce maintenance costs, instrument downtime and obsolescence; 

2) Acquire improved technology to increase effectiveness and; 

3) decrease turnaround time, avoid backlog and improve the timeliness of reporting; 

4) Increase the number and type of cell phones that data can be recovered from; and 

5) Enhance the reporting output for mobile device examinations.

Five (5) objectives have been identified for this project: 

1) To run six thousand (6000) drug samples on GC/MS; 

2) To run three hundred (300) fire debris samples on GC/MS; 

3) To add one hundred (100) samples to the user-created GC/MS library; 

4) to provide an average of a ten (10) day turnaround for controlled substance analysis, fire debris 

and cell phone examinations; and 

5) To reduce the number of cases in which cell phone data extraction failed due to hardware or 

software incompatibility with forensic tools.

The Project Director will assess the success of the project in improving the effectiveness, efficiency and 

timeliness of laboratory services. This will be accomplished through feedback from the examiners, 

measurement of turnaround time, and improved services. The Forensic Services Division uses a 

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) which offers the flexibility and reliability necessary 
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to gather information on cases submitted, examination results and turnaround time. Its query and 

statistical reporting capabilities will be used to monitor measure and report the performance outcomes of 

the grant/project.

FY12 Recipient Name: Office of the Attorney General (SD)

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0015

Award Amount: $63,517

Abstract: The South Dakota Forensic Laboratory (SDFL) actively upholds laboratory accreditation 

requirements. The SDFL was most recently assessed in August 2010 by the Forensic Quality ServicesInternational Division of Forensic Quality Services, Inc and found to comply with the requirements of 

ISO/IEC 17025:2005 in the categories of Biology, Digital and Multimedia Evidence, Trace Materials 

(Fibers, Hairs and Fire Debris), Firearms/Tool Marks and Latent Prints. The SDFL is scheduled for reaccreditation in the Fall of 2012.

With the release of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Report on Strengthening Forensic Science 

in the United States, the SDFL is requiring all employees to obtain professional certifications in their 

respective forensic disciplines of practice. Most every one of these professional certification programs 

require a defined amount of credit hours for qualifying training in order to be eligible to take these 

certification examinations. In addition, all these programs have a re-certification timeline requiring 

continuing professional development through training and professional meeting attendance. All but two 

scientists of the SDFL staff, with pending applications for certification, had received certification as 

certified Crime Scene Investigators through the International Association for Identification. Several others 

hold individual certifications (AFTE, ABC-Diplomat, etc.). The SDFL is requesting FY2012 funding to 

provide professional training and development for its employees in order to become certified and 

maintain certification. 

FY12 Recipient Name: State of Tennessee

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0010

Award Amount: $146,546

Abstract: The Office of Criminal Justice Programs (OCJP) has been designated by the Governor of 

Tennessee as the State Administering Agency (SAA) for funds from the U.S. Department of Justice. 

OCJP has identified two (2) entities that provide forensic science services for criminal justice purposes 

throughout the state. These entities are the State Medical Examiner’s Office and the Tennessee Bureau of 

Investigation. 

The Department of Health has a combined state and county medical examiner system under the State 

Medical Examiner’s Office for the operation of the medical examiner system over the whole state. This 

includes all county medical examiners, medico legal death investigators, medical examiner laboratories, 

and forensic pathologists. 

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has a Forensic Services Division (Crime Laboratory 

System) that provides forensic science services to any law enforcement agency or medical examiner in 

the state. The TBI and the State Medical Examiner’s Office remain the agencies that are tasked with 

providing statewide criminal forensic services to state and local agencies. All examinations and evidence 

go though one or both of these two agencies.

Representatives from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Forensic Services Division and from the 

Medical Examiner’s Office coordinated with the Office of Criminal Justice Programs to formulate a 
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consolidated state plan to utilize NIJ funds from the FY 2012 Paul Coverdell Forensic Sciences 

Improvement Grant Program. The consolidated plan includes providing opportunities for professional 

enhancement and the purchase of laboratory equipment.

The Office of Criminal Justice Programs will utilize a portion of the total award to administer the 

Coverdell funds awarded to the State. OCJP intends to sub-grant funds to the State Medical Examiner’s 

Office and to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to implement the projects identified below.

The State Medical Examiner’s Office has identified professional enhancement as a primary need for their 

professionals across the State. They intend to use base Coverdell funds, if awarded to the state, to send 

representatives from the five regional forensic offices to a national training in St. Louis, Missouri with the 

goal of improving the quality of forensic science and medical examiner services throughout the state of

Tennessee.

The Tennessee Bureau Investigation has identified that their major needs include the acquisition of new 

laboratory instruments and forensics training. The TBI intends to use base Coverdell funds, if awarded to 

the state, to purchase a comparison microscope and several Precision Balances. Additionally, they intend 

to send employees from the regional labs for forensics training with the goal of improving the timeliness 

of processing forensic samples. Furthermore, the TBI proposes to use competitive Coverdell funds, if 

awarded to the state, to purchase a gas chromatograph / mass spectrometer, a Noritsu printer, and a 

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer for the Nashville Lab.

FY12 Recipient Name: State of Texas

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0042

Award Amount: $587,586

Abstract: The goal is to reduce the backlog in processing non-DNA forensic evidence.

Objectives: 

l. Accurate and timely processing of forensic evidence.

2. Support accredited laboratories with equipment and resources that enhance their ability to 

process evidence.

The Governor's Criminal Justice Division (CJD) proposes to use its2012 Coverdell funds to support 

accredited crime laboratories and medical examiner offices in reducing the backlog in processing nonDNA forensic evidence. Grant funds will enhance the ability of laboratories operated by state and local 

units of government to maintain the integrity of evidence they examine. Funds may be used to pay 

overtime to forensic scientists, to contract for external processing of evidence or contract with qualified 

scientists to address backlogs and to acquire new or replacement equipment that will improve operations 

of the laboratory and support a reduction in the backlog of evidence. State statutes require all crime 

laboratories operating in the state to be accredited through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). 

Statutes also address the requirements for admissibility of evidence in criminal proceedings and require 

that in order to be considered admissible; the evidence must have been examined by a laboratory that was 

accredited at the time the evidence was processed. DPS and the Texas Forensic Science Commission are 

statutorily authorized to conduct investigations into complaints about laboratory negligence or 

misconduct affecting the integrity of the forensic results.

FY12 Recipient Name: Dallas County (TX)
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Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0072

Award Amount: $174,410

Abstract: Efforts will be undertaken to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic laboratory and 

medical examiner services at a local medical examiner/crime lab facility. The project will benefit several 

areas of operations: medical examiner/death investigation, forensic toxicology analysis, controlled 

substance analysis, firearm & tool mark analysis, and trace evidence analysis. The goals of the project 

will be: 1) to purchase and install several low-volume document scanners to improve the ability of the 

medical examiner’s office to transfer documents to the LIMS database; 2) to purchase and install 

equipment for automated logging of temperatures from refrigerators, freezers and body coolers to 

eliminate the need for staff to perform manual temperature logging; 3) to purchase and install large format 

computer monitors to improve the ability of laboratory staff to utilize the laboratory information system; 

4) to purchase and validate a microprocessor-based instrument for automated refractive index 

measurement, to improve the quality of analysis performed by the Trace Evidence laboratory; 5) purchase 

and install a digital fingerprint capture device to enhance decedent identification and to enable more 

timely communication with investigators; 6) to provide continuing education and training to staff of the 

crime laboratory and medical examiner’s office.

FY12 Recipient Name: Utah Department of Public Safety

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0055

Award Amount: $64,474

Abstract: The Utah Bureau of Forensic Services (BFS) is requesting $65,083 in 2012 Coverdell grant 

base/formula funds for the Bureau of Forensic Services, Utah Bureau of Forensic Toxicology (BFT), and the 

Intermountain West Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory (IWRCFL). These three laboratories comprise the 

Utah State forensic laboratory system. The funding would be used to target three of our more pressing issues: 

manpower, training and equipment. Funding is requested to continue a part-time Program Specialist in the 

IWRCFL to maintain or decrease the existing case turnaround time. Travel/training is also requested by the BFS 

and BFT so analysts can stay current in their respective disciplines and obtain/maintain certification in those 

disciplines. Additionally, the BFT is requesting funding for equipment to replace standing equipment that is 

either outdated or insufficient for handling existing case volume. Utilizing Coverdell funds in these sections of the 

laboratory system will help to improve the quality, efficiency and timeliness of forensic science services for the 

State of Utah. 

FY12 Recipient Name: Vermont Department of Public Safety

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0014

Award Amount: $63,517

Abstract: The Vermont Forensic Laboratory is the only forensic laboratory in the State of Vermont and 

accepts evidence from law enforcement agencies throughout the state, from local police departments to 

the Vermont State Police investigators. During the past year the laboratory has encountered some changes 

that have resulted in reduced efficiency. The laboratory has seen significant staff changes, has gained new 

programs and carries a large number of vacancies.

The efficient processing of cases and analysis of evidence can be improved through grant funds applied 

to:

• An evidence technician/LIMS administrator to rece1ve and distribute evidence and maintain the 

LIMS

• Funding to maintain and improve our LIMS which 1s increasingly important in standardizing 

processes throughout the laboratory

• Training of examiners, both new and experienced.
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The goals of this proposal are to provide salary for an evidence technician/LIMS administrator, and 

provide funding to maintain and improve our LIMS. The funding will also allow continuing educational 

training for experienced staff and training for new staff as they are hired to fill vacancies.

It is critical for each analyst to maintain current knowledge and training in his/her area of expertise. It is 

also important ·to ensure that the methods and processes in place in each discipline are current and meet 

the standard in the field. The Forensic Laboratory will send analysts to meetings and training programs to 

in their area of expertise acquire state-of-the-art information and skills. Opportunities to meet with peers 

are an important component of remaining current and developing peer resources. The laboratory is 

composed of four units- the chemistry, biology, physical comparison and newly acquired blood/breath 

alcohol units. The physical comparison unit examiners will attend classes related to fingerprints, firearms 

and digital photography. These classes will include the national training offered by the IAI and AFTE. 

The photography technician will attend classes related to digital processing and may need to attend 

classes relative to new instrumentation purchased by the laboratory. The chemistry and biology units will 

attend a yearly New England Association of Forensic Sciences regional meeting to refresh their skills, 

make connections with local peers and meet accreditation requirements. Attendance at the CODIS Users 

meeting, and the Promega meeting will allow our CODIS manager and one DNA analysts to keep up to 

date in their professions. Attendance at the CO DIS meeting is valuable to DNA casework analysts to 

better understand CODIS eligibility and changing laws. The ASCLD meeting provides training for 

laboratory managers and the OSHA training allows our safety officer to learn new procedures and 

mandates concerning laboratory safety.

Funding will support the salary of the evidence technician/LIMS administrator. Employing this individual 

ensures that analysts do not have to spend time at this task and will ensure evidence is consistently 

received and properly documented by the evidence technician. Evidence submission does not occur 

throughout the day, this individual Prior to having an evidence technician, laboratory analysts also 

provided evidence receipt. This was inefficient and less consistent. The evidence tech position will also 

provide LIMS administrator functions which will allow a smooth operation of our LIMS and reduces 

down time in the laboratory. The Department and laboratory has become more tech-intensive, and this 

individual provides training on and troubleshooting of the various new electronic systems put in place, 

this individual will also be the liaison between the LIMS system new module, and the newly acquired 

breath alcohol program instruments (Data Master-DMT) located throughout the state. Funding will 

support of a service and maintenance contract for the LIMS system. There are updates that are received 

from the provider and occasion problems that require their assistance. Having a contract in place assures 

we will not experience any serious delays in service. The funding will also support a contract with Focus 

Forensics to provide technical review and occasional casework in the latent fingerprint and firearms areas. 

The latent print section has only a single examiner. We are in the process of recruiting another examiner, 

but until a second examiner is in place, we are outsourcing the technical review of the latent print 

casework. This situation will remain until new staffs are fully trained.

FY12 Recipient Name: Department of Criminal Justice Services

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0022

Award Amount: $185,297

Abstract: This grant request involves two agencies within the State of Virginia, the Department of 

Forensic Science and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Department of Health. The Virginia 
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State Administering Agency for this grant is the Department of Criminal Justice Services and it intends to 

pass through the funds to the Department of Forensic Science and the Office of the Chief Medical 

Examiner, Virginia Department of Health. The Department of Forensic Science is requesting discipline 

specific training, equipment, and instrumentation to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic 

services and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is requesting funds to train a forensic pathology 

fellow to increase the number of qualified forensic pathologists in Virginia and the nation to improve 

timeliness and quality of death investigation.

VIRGINIA OFFICE OF THE CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER (OCME)

The purpose of this grant request is to improve the quality, thoroughness, and timeliness of death 

investigation by increasing the number of qualified trained forensic pathologists in Virginia and the 

United States. This also improves the competent performance of forensic autopsies and evidence 

collection. 

One goal is to increase the number of qualified forensic pathologists in Virginia and the United States, by 

training and certifying a forensic pathology fellow in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in 

Virginia to prepare them to take their Forensic Pathology Board examinations.

The achievement of this goal is dependent on meeting instructional objectives set by the ACGME 

(Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education) accreditation. The Office of the Chief Medical 

Examiner in Virginia has met this instructional accreditation with rigorous program criteria for an annual 

training of forensic pathology fellows. 

The fellowship training year runs from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014. A nine month no-cost extension 

would be requested to be able to fulfill the objectives of the grant since the grant period ends September 

30, 2013. There is no State supplied funding for this program.

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF FORENSIC SCIENCE (DFS)

The mission of the Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is to protect the public’s safety, support law 

enforcement and the judicial system, and advance the growth and understanding of forensic science. The 

quality of service provided by DFS has a significant impact on the weight that courts place upon the 

results of examinations conducted by DFS. Therefore, DFS must continue to provide timely and reliable 

services of the highest caliber to law enforcement agencies and others, as specified by law. These 

services are vital to support public safety and ensure confidence in the criminal justice system in Virginia. 

The primary goal of this proposal is to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science services in 

the Commonwealth of Virginia provided by the DFS Chemical Analysis, Physical Evidence, and 

Calibration and Training program areas. 

To accomplish this goal, DFS proposes the following objectives: 

1. Enhance DFS forensic scientists’ skills and knowledge base by providing training 

opportunities for scientists in various scientific disciplines within the Physical Evidence, 

Chemical Analysis, and Calibration and Training program areas.

2. Increase productivity and reduce turn-around times in the Firearms and Toxicology sections 

by acquiring equipment for use in these two areas.

FY12 Recipient Name: Virgin Islands Department of Justice 
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Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0037

Award Amount: $63,517

Abstract: This proposal will facilitate the improvement of the forensic services in the United States 

Virgin Islands. The purpose of this proposal is to use funds to improve the quality, quantity and timeliness 

of forensic science services in the territory. This proposal seeks to affect institutional changes that would 

demonstrate improvements over current operations. Currently, there is no crime lab in the Virgin Islands. 

The overall impact of not having a crime lab in the territory is evident by the delayed trials because the 

evidence is not being processed in a timely manner. The successful investigation and prosecution of 

crimes requires, in most cases, the collection, preservation and forensic analysis of evidence, which can

be crucial to demonstrations of guilt or innocence.

The overall project goal is to provide expert forensic science and medical examiner support services to 

law enforcement agencies within the jurisdiction of the territory. Forensic Science is a labor intensive 

undertaking, in which the quality, experience, and technical currency of the personnel performing the 

analyses are paramount. Neglecting on-going staff training and professional development can lead to 

organizational failure to meet the Department’s service goals and the lab’s quality requirements. 

Therefore, it is essential that a reasonable foundation be put in place to offset the direct and indirect costs 

of training, professional development, travel costs, personnel costs, equipment, supplies, and other 

services. Implementation of this framework for achieving and maintaining professional competency will 

extend learning opportunities, promote high standards of professional practice, and will provide assistance 

to increase the quality and timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner services to the territory of 

the USVI.

FY12 Recipient Name: Washington State Patrol 

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0064

Award Amount: $156,311

Abstract: The Washington State Forensic Investigations Council promotes the achievement of 

excellence in the delivery of forensic science services at the state and local level for the citizens of the 

state of Washington. The Council requests funding from the FY 2012 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science 

Improvement Grants Program for the following prioritized projects designed to develop and enhance the 

professional standards of practice for forensic analysis and death investigation:

1. Grant County Coroner: Laboratory Equipment - $9,908

2. Washington State Patrol – Crime Laboratory Division: Crime Scene Response Team Equipment -

$116,981

3. Washington State Patrol – Missing and Unidentified Persons Unit: Dental Records Backlog 

Reduction- $30,897

These projects, if funded, will improve the practice of forensic science in Washington State by:

• Improving the quality and timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner services in 

Washington State, including those services provided by laboratories operated by the Washington 

State Patrol and those operated by units of local government within Washington State; and 

• Eliminating a backlog in the analysis of forensic science evidence, including, among other things, a 

backlog with respect to latent prints, forensic pathology, and trace evidence. 

FY12 Recipient Name: City of Tacoma

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0074

Award Amount: $119,900
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Abstract: Protecting citizens and identifying criminals puts a tremendous strain on the City of Tacoma 

and regional budgets. The demands of servicing a large transient population have become even more of a 

challenge during the economic downturn, due to budget cuts. 

The purpose of the Tacoma Police Department’s Forensic Services Section is to provide timely and 

accurate scientific, technical and investigative support to the criminal justice system through forensic 

analysis. The Forensic Services Section currently provides services in latent prints and crime scene 

investigations. Forensic Services responds to approximately 4,000 crime scenes per year for processing 

and averages around 1500 requests for laboratory analysis. In addition, the section receives an average of 

1300 latent print comparison requests. The Tacoma Police Department has demonstrated a commitment to 

cost effective criminal investigation strategies by investing in a professional civilian Forensic Services 

Section for over 40 years. Latent Print Examiners and Forensic Specialists are facing more and more 

challenges to latent print testimony in court. Crime Scene Technicians are struggling with a backlog of 

evidence to process due the loss of two positions cut from the budget. For these reasons, TPD is applying 

for the National Institute of Justice Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Grant to improve the timeliness and 

quality of the analysis of evidence processed by the Forensic Services Section. 

The TPD is seeking $119,900.00 to prepare the Latent Print Unit and Crime Scene Unit for Accreditation 

through Forensic Quality Source under ISO 17020; to provide additional training for Forensics staff in 

court testimony, shooting reconstruction, effective recovery of footwear and tire tracks and to prepare 

experienced personnel eligible for IAI certification in latent prints and crime scene analysis an 

opportunity to evaluate their skills and abilities in a testing environment. In addition, TPD is seeking 

funds to purchase a large capacity cyanoacrylate fuming chamber to process evidence such as doors, tires, 

bicycles, flat screen televisions, etc. that are regularly processed by staff.

To prepare for Accreditation, the TPD would use the Coverdell grant to hire a consultant from Ron

Smith and Associates, Inc. (RSA), to assist personnel prepare for the accreditation of the crime scene and 

latent print units under ISO 17020. Due to a heavy workload on current staff, TPD proposes hiring 

journey level employees on an overtime basis to work with the consultant to bring policies and procedures 

and other documentation up to accreditation standards.

Training funded by the Coverdell grant will improve the skills of our crime scene technicians and also 

improve the quality of court testimony provided by latent print examiners and forensic specialists in latent 

prints. The IAI test preparation classes will allow staff to evaluate their skills and abilities in a testing 

environment and on the last day of the course, allow the forensic specialists to take the certification test in 

latent prints and crime scene analysis; the crime scene technicians will be able to take the IAI certification 

test in crime scene analysis. By hosting these training classes at TPD, we will be able to provide training 

to the majority of staff without the added travel costs. The large capacity cyanoacrylate fuming chamber 

allows technicians to process not only large items for latent prints but we can process large amounts of 

evidence on a regular basis at the same time, thereby reducing the time from submission of evidence to 

delivery of results.

FY12 Recipient Name: West Virginia Division of Justice and Community Services

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0019

Award Amount: $63,517

Abstract: The West Virginia State Police (WVSP) Forensic Laboratory is an ASCLD/LAB accredited; 
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full service facility which is responsible for analyzing evidential material associated with criminal 

investigations for all state and local law enforcement agencies. Services are provided, free of charge, to 

any police agency (including federal) within the 55 counties of West Virginia. The Laboratory serves a 

population base of approximately 1.8 million people. 

The Laboratory is composed of eight specialized sections: Trace Evidence, Drug Identification, 

Toxicology, Biochemistry (DNA), Firearm/Toolmark, Latent Prints, Questioned Documents, and 

Evidence Processing. In addition, the Laboratory has a Central Evidence Receiving section for receipt 

and storage of items of evidence. The Laboratory’s full time staff includes thirty three (33) 

analysts/examiners, four (4) technicians, two (2) secretaries, one (1) quality assurance manager, and a 

director. The Laboratory routinely receives approximately 6,300 cases and examines 40,000 to 50,000 

items of evidence per year. The cases received include everything from capital crimes (homicides, sexual 

assaults) to misdemeanor property crimes.

In accordance with the State’s Consolidated Forensic Science Plan goal to generally improve and 

advance forensic services, this project is designed to request funding for overtime to increase timeliness 

of services and to provide continued education to forensic analysts through specialized training to further 

improve the quality of our services. 

The WVSP Laboratory is facing budgetary constraints to fund overtime and continued education. The 

Laboratory has experienced in 2011 a surge in submissions of Drug cases as a result of dangerous 

synthetic designer drugs such as synthetic cannabinoids (K2) and synthetic cathinones (Bath Salts) 

flooding the market. The Federal funding from this award will be used for the following goals:

1- Provide overtime to forensic drug chemists to test new formulations of synthetic drugs and reduce 

the backlog of drug cases.

2- Provide continued education recommended by the American Society of Crime Laboratory 

Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB), the Laboratory’s accrediting body.

3- Provide continued education to forensic examiners to maintain their certification. 

FY12 Recipient Name: Wisconsin Department of Justice

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0059

Award Amount: $130,718

Abstract: The Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Law Enforcement Services, State Crime 

Laboratory System (WI-DOJ DLES/SCLS), is applying for the 2012 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science 

Improvement Grants to continue to maintain, as well as improve, the quality and timeliness of forensic 

science services. The participating agencies consist of the WI-DOJ DLES/SCLS, Milwaukee County 

Medical Examiner’s Office (MCME), Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH), and the Kenosha 

County Department of Human Services-Division of Health Laboratory (KCDHS). All of these agencies 

will continue to take part in a State plan to improve forensic science and medical examiner services in 

Wisconsin as a result of this grant opportunity. This will be accomplished by continuing to decrease 

forensic case turnaround time by increasing capacity through the use of technology, modern equipment, 

and enhancing the education, training, and proficiencies of forensic analysts in each agency. All agencies 

have an existing grant agreement in place and have successfully worked together to improve forensic and 

medical examiner services in the State of Wisconsin. 

Agencies Participating

Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Law Enforcement Services, State Crime 

Laboratory System (WI-DOJ DLES/SCLS)
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• Crime Laboratory - Madison

• Crime Laboratory - Milwaukee

• Crime Laboratory – Wausau

Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s (MCME) Laboratory

Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH)

Kenosha County Department of Human Services- Division of Health (KCDHS) Laboratory

Participating Agency Capabilities/Competencies

The agencies participating in this formulation of a state plan acknowledge the importance of cooperating 

to establish a statewide program with quality assurance and accreditation playing key roles. To that end, 

agencies which participate in the state plan to improve forensic science and medical examiner services in 

Wisconsin will be accredited and will correct any deficiencies in essential areas identified during 

accreditation inspections in the furtherance of maintaining generally acceptable laboratory practices.

Each participating agency also has a government entity and an appropriate process to conduct an 

independent external investigation into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct substantially 

affecting the integrity of the forensic results committed by employees or contractors.

The WI-DOJ DLES/SCLS is accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors / 

Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB). The most recent accreditation inspection was performed 

in March of 2012. As a part of accreditation, the crime laboratories perform yearly audits of their 

operations in each functional area. These audits are used as the basis for yearly reports regarding 

performance in adhering to the accreditation criteria. Investigations into serious negligence or 

misconduct substantially affecting the integrity of the forensic results would be investigated 

independently by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). The 

State Crime Laboratory Director is Kevin Jones. 

The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Laboratory is accredited by the National Association of 

Medical Examiners (NAME) and the American College of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) 

programs. Investigations into serious negligence or misconduct substantially affecting the integrity of the 

forensic results would be investigated independently by the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office. 

Dr. Brian L. Peterson is the Medical Examiner for Milwaukee County.

The Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene is accredited by the American Board of Forensic Toxicology 

(ABTF). Investigations into serious negligence or misconduct substantially affecting the integrity of the 

forensic results would be investigated independently by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Police 

Department. The Director of WSLH is Dr. Charles D. Brokopp.

The Kenosha County Health Laboratory is accredited by ASCLD/LAB. Investigations into serious 

negligence or misconduct substantially affecting the integrity of the forensic results would be investigated 

independently by the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office. The Director of the Kenosha County 

Health Laboratory is Carlton Cowie.

The WI-DOJ DLES/SCLS, Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Laboratory, Wisconsin State 

Laboratory of Hygiene, and the Kenosha County Health Laboratory use laboratory practices and 

procedures established by their accrediting organizations.

FY12 Recipient Name: Kenosha County Department of Human (WI)

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0075
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Award Amount: $175,000

Abstract: The Kenosha County Division of Health – Public Health Laboratory is applying for a 2012 

Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement grant to continue to improve the quality and timeliness of 

forensic services by upgrading technology through the purchase of equipment, assistance with the annual 

ASLCD/LAB accreditation fee, a part-time forensic chemist, and staff development opportunities for 

Laboratory staff. The Medical Examiner’s Office will improve forensic operations by purchase of a 

freezer, iPads, database enhancements, and staff development opportunities. 

FY12 Recipient Name: Wyoming Office of the Attorney General

Award Number: 2012-CD-BX-0021

Award Amount: $63,517

Abstract: The Wyoming State Crime Laboratory, (WSCL), an operational section of the Wyoming 

Office of the Attorney General, Division of Criminal Investigation, is located in Cheyenne, Wyoming, 

and is the only full service forensic laboratory in the State that provides examinations in Chemistry, 

Biology, Firearms/Tool Marks, Latent Prints and Trace Evidence. The fundamental mission of the WSCL 

is to provide, in a timely manner, a full range of forensic services to state and local law enforcement 

agencies and the Wyoming Office of the State Public Defender as mandated by State Statute. 

This laboratory’s goals for the 2012 Coverdell program are:

1. Reduction of analysis turn-around times

a) Within the Drug Chemistry Unit by supporting overtime in response to the increased 

demand for analysis. This increase was specifically associated with the passage of 

statutory language in the spring of 2011 that added additional compounds to the list of 

controlled substances.

b) Within the Firearms/Toolmark Unit by supporting overtime in response to the increasing 

demand for analysis and by supporting a contract for services that provides a qualified 

examiner to assist with case analysis on a part-time, temporary basis.

This laboratory’s goal for the 2012 Coverdell Competitive Program is:

1. To strengthen the sustainability of a reduction in analysis times and reduce the pending casework 

backlogs throughout the entire laboratory through an improvement in the WSCL’s Laboratory 

Information Management System (LIMS).

a) Connecting our customer agencies directly to the Laboratory’s LIMS system would allow 

direct, electronic, reporting of results to both the submitting agencies and the prosecutor’s offices. 

b) To assist with decreasing testing turn-around times the prosecutor’s offices would submit 

information concerning cases reaching disposition. Stopping or eliminating testing processes on these 

cases would have a significant impact on the WSCL’s overall turn-around times. 

c) Allow direct pre-logging of evidence and reference samples to eliminate manual data entry 

within the laboratory. This will result in a significant time savings contributing to the laboratory’s goal of 

a reduction in the number of backlogged cases, reduce overall turn-around times and improve the 

availability of forensic services to our customer agencies.

Consistent with the Coverdell Grant Program Goals of improving service timeliness and the reduction of 

backlogs, evaluation of this project will be measured by the reduction in the number of days between 

evidence submission and completion of the forensic reports associated with that evidence. Backlogs will 

be measured by the numbers of cases awaiting analysis throughout the project time-span with the 

additional information of the number of cases submitted during that same time.

Evaluation of this funding project as to the levels achieved in reducing turn-around times and backlogs 

will be measured by the reduction in the number of days between evidence submission and completion of 
FY2012 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program Abstracts

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the forensic reports associated with that evidence. Backlogs will be measured by the numbers of cases 

awaiting analysis throughout the project time-span with the additional information of the number of cases 

submitted.

The goals of the Wyoming State Crime Laboratory’s application are consistent with the Coverdell Grant 

Program Goals of improving service timeliness as well as decreasing the backlog of cases awaiting 

analysis.