Fattah Announces $1 Million Grant to Relieve DNA Backlog in Philadelphia

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Aug 29, 2013, 09:48 ET

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Congressman Chaka Fattah (PA-02) announced today that the City of Philadelphia will receive more than $1 million from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ)—the research, development and evaluation agency of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)—to help reduce DNA backlogs in local law enforcement agencies. Congressman Fattah is Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and related agencies (CJS) which oversees DOJ funding.

The grant comes as part of NIJ's FY 13 DNA Backlog Reduction Program. The program provides support to state and local governments to reduce forensic DNA sample turnaround time, increase the throughput of public DNA laboratories, and reduce DNA backlogs. DNA backlogs have been a persistent issue in both Philadelphia and Pennsylvania as the demand for DNA testing has risen.

"It is imperative that our law enforcement agencies are well-equipped with the most up-to-date tools, modern resources, and adequate support to employ the full potential of DNA technology," Congressman Fattah said. "Reducing the wait time for DNA analysis will increase Philadelphia's capacity to solve crimes more efficiently, resulting in a safer and more just community."

Further information on NIJ's DNA Backlog Reduction Program can be found at: http://nij.gov/topics/forensics/lab-operations/evidence-backlogs/backlog-reduction-program.htm

SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah