How To Fund Your LSV Purchase With a DNA Backlog Grant

The LSV is used to identify bodily fluids on clothing and other pieces of crime scene evidence

The NIJ’s DNA Backlog Reduction Program was put in place to assist eligible states and units of local government to:

Process, record, screen and analyze forensic DNA and/or DNA database samples.
Increase the capacity of public forensic DNA and DNA database laboratories to process more DNA samples, thereby helping to reduce the number of forensic DNA and DNA database samples awaiting analysis.

In speaking with forensic examiners, we understand this grant opportunity is ideal for labs trying to generating funds to purchase DNA analysis equipment such as the LSV, Leeds Spectral Vision system. Forensic laboratories can apply for this grant, but take into consideration this information provided on NIJ’s website:

(l) Use of funds for other forensic sciences

The Attorney General may award a grant under this section to a State or unit of local government to alleviate a backlog of cases with respect to a forensic science other than DNA analysis if the State or unit of local government—

(1) certifies to the Attorney General that in such State or unit—

(A) all of the purposes set forth in subsection (a) of this section have been met;

(B) a significant backlog of casework is not waiting for DNA analysis; and

(C) there is no need for significant laboratory equipment, supplies, or additional personnel for timely DNA processing of casework or offender samples; and

(2) demonstrates to the Attorney General that such State or unit requires assistance in alleviating a backlog of cases involving a forensic science other than DNA analysis.

For further information or to apply for this grant, please visit NIJ’s website:

http://www.nij.gov/topics/forensics/lab-operations/evidence-backlogs/pages/backlog-reduction-program.aspx

Further information about the Debbie Smith Act: 42 USC § 14135 – The Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program:

http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/42/14135

Further information about the DNA Backlog Reduction Program:

https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/dna-capacity-enhancement-and-backlog-reduction-program#:~:targetText=DNA%20Capacity%20Enhancement%20and%20Backlog%20Reduction%20Program,and%2For%20DNA%20database%20samples.