Maine to Receive More Than $600,000 in Federal Funding for Forensic Science

PORTLAND, Maine:  U.S. Attorney Halsey Frank today announced $639,654 in Department of Justice grants to the District of Maine 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 (OJP), are part of $192 million in funding to advance forensic science nationwide.

The Maine Department of Public Safety will receive $264,698, and the Maine State Police will receive $374,956.

“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.”

“I am very pleased to share the news about this important federal funding,” U.S. Attorney Frank said. “The use of DNA for solving crimes has only been around for a few decades, but it’s already been an enormous game-changer, for police agencies here in Maine and across the nation. This ever-evolving science will be of tremendous benefit to crime investigations here in Maine, and to crime victims.”

Since 2004, OJP 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.

More information about the programs and awards announced today is available here: OJP Awards Data webpage.

OJP, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training and technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.