WASHINGTON, DC — In an effort to eliminate the backlog of DNA crime scene evidence in Rhode Island and help law enforcement officials solve more crimes, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) will award the Rhode Island Justice Commission $100,000 to upgrade the state's DNA forensic capabilities.

"DNA evidence has the power to convict the guilty and exonerate the innocent. A well-run crime lab is crucial to helping law enforcement officials solve more crimes and put offenders behind bars," said Reed, a member of the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees federal funding of law enforcement and Justice Department programs. "This money will enhance the state's ability to quickly and efficiently analyze DNA evidence and reduce the number of untested DNA samples from criminal cases."

This federal funding will be provided through the DOJ's National Institute of Justice (NIJ) which assists state and local governments by providing advancements in scientific research, development, and evaluation. The money may be used for several different purposes such as hiring and training additional forensic staff, upgrading DNA laboratory and computer equipment, purchasing supplies, and renovating facilities to improve operations.

The mission of the Forensic Section of Rhode Island State Health Laboratories is to examine evidence and provide expert scientific opinion in legal and criminal cases for police departments, the Attorney General, the Medical Examiner, and other law enforcement and regulatory agencies. This laboratory section helps detect and solve crimes, identify drunk drivers, and aids in the investigation of violent crimes, such as rape.