U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey Announces Over $3 Million to Advance Forensic Science in Arizona

PHOENIX, Ariz. – U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey today announced over $3 million in Department of Justice grants to Arizona to fund crime laboratories, decrease DNA backlogs, support basic and applied forensic research, and help law enforcement identify missing persons. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of $192 million in funding to advance forensic science nationwide.

“Developments in forensic science have given investigators an extraordinary array of tools that can be enlisted to solve crimes and bring answers to victims and survivors, often after many years and even decades,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These investments in crime-fighting technology, from DNA analysis to drug toxicology to forensic anthropology, will help identify and convict perpetrators, ensure justice for innocent victims and keep communities safe by deterring future criminal activity.”

Since 2004, the Office of Justice Programs has received an annual appropriation for DNA and other forensic science activities. The funding, administered through OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and National Institute of Justice, supports DNA analysis, laboratory capacity enhancement and forensic science research that provides knowledge and tools to improve the quality and practice of forensic science.

The following organizations in Arizona received funding:

• City of Tucson - $252,900
• City of Mesa - $250,025
• Arizona Department of Public Safety - $754,606
• City of Phoenix Police Department (2 awards) - $576,697; $74,413
• Scottsdale Police Department Crime Laboratory - $250,025
• Arizona Criminal Justice Commission - $392,583
• Mayo Clinic Arizona - $462,240
• Arizona State University - $150,000
   

For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, click here. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-090_Forensic Grants

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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ 
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