Department of Justice Awards More Than $4 Million to Public and Private Entities in Northern Illinois to Advance Forensic Science

CHICAGO — John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, today announced that governmental and private entities in northern Illinois will receive more than $4 million in Department of Justice grants to advance forensic science.

The grants, administered by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of $192 million in nationwide awards to fund crime laboratories, decrease DNA backlogs, support basic and applied forensic research, and help law enforcement identify missing persons.

“These substantial federal funds will provide crucial resources to northern Illinois agencies working to advance the important area of forensic science,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch.  “The Justice Department is committed to helping state and local law enforcement improve its crime-fighting technology.”

“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 Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for OJP.  “These investments will help identify and convict perpetrators, ensure justice for innocent victims, and keep communities safe by deterring future criminal activity.”

Three types of grants were awarded to recipients in northern Illinois:

DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program.  These funds assist with increasing the capacity for DNA analysis and the number of DNA samples, while decreasing the backlog and turnaround time for DNA analysis.  Recipients may use funding to upgrade laboratories and purchase equipment and supplies, such as DNA sample collection kits.  The recipients and awards in northern Illinois are as follows:

• Illinois State Police: $2,384,863
• DuPage County Sheriff’s Office: $340,696
• Northeastern Illinois Regional Crime Laboratory: $340,696

Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program.  These funds help improve forensic science and medical examiner/coroner services, including services provided by laboratories operated by states and units of local government.  Funds may be used to eliminate a backlog in the analysis of forensic evidence and to train and employ forensic laboratory personnel.  The recipients and awards in northern Illinois are as follows:

• Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority: $683,465
• Cook County: $190,500

Research and Development in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes.  These funds advance basic and applied research and development that lead toward more accurate, reliable, and cost-effective methods of analyzing physical evidence.  The recipients will address the current needs of the forensic science community while adding to the existing body of knowledge.  The recipient and award in northern Illinois are as follows:

• Cadre Research Labs: $199,615

For the full list of awards across the country, view the OJP fact sheet.

The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, 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.  For more information about OJP and its components, visit the OJP website.