Four States Receive Grants to Review DNA Evidence

September 24, 2008 By Corey McKenna

inmate population to locate unresolved eligible cases where biological evidence is present and post-conviction DNA analysis is needed. Arizona currently has no backlog of post-conviction cases,

The state of Washington plans to use the grant funds to hire forensics staff, to support the review of post-conviction cases, and to pay for DNA analysis. In partnership with the Innocence Project Northwest, the Washington State Patrol will review an estimated 200 case files and an estimated 145 inmate requests for review of eligible post-conviction cases.

The state of Kentucky, in partnership with the Kentucky Innocence Project, plans to use the award for resources required to review cases identified as potential wrongful convictions. Kentucky will use the funds to hire attorneys and investigators, purchase necessary equipment and investigate biological evidence from eligible post-conviction cases.

The state of Virginia plans to use the grant funds to support the review of an estimated 2,200 post-conviction cases, with as many as 5,600 DNA samples being subjected to testing and analysis. Virginia's Department of Forensic Sciences (VDFS) proposes using VDFS DNA analysts on an overtime basis to conduct the data review of resulting eligible cases.

In total, the National Institute of Justice expects to award over $56 million to state and local governments. Other permissible uses of these funds include validating new DNA analysis technologies and upgrading, replacing, and purchasing laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and computer hardware or software (e.g., LIMS or expert systems) for forensic DNA analyses and data management.

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