Gov. Perry Awards Nearly $890,000 in Forensic Science Improvement Grants

Gov. Rick Perry awarded $889,943 to nine forensic crime labs throughout the state. These grants are awarded through the federal Coverdell National Forensic Sciences Improvement Act fund and distributed by the Governor's Criminal Justice Division (CJD). "Texas must provide law enforcement with the latest in forensic science technology in order to protect our citizens while ensuring our criminal justice system does not wrongfully convict the innocent," said Gov. Perry. "These grants will bring justice to those who victimize fellow Texans and violate our laws." The federal Coverdell program improves forensic science and medical examiner services by providing new equipment, updated training and necessary laboratory staff. Each year, CJD awards more than $113 million in grants for a variety of juvenile justice, criminal justice and victim services programs. List of crime labs