Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), has awarded a $705,703 grant to the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) through the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program. These funds will be used to assist with the processing of forensic evidence backlogs caused by the opioid epidemic. Law enforcement agencies in Ohio are tasked with confiscating these illegal drugs, which leads to the need for more testing and identification of controlled substances.
“In Ohio, where the ongoing pandemic has only exacerbated the addiction crisis, we must provide state agencies with the resources they need to curtail and address the misuse of illicit drugs,” said Brown. “These funds are essential to reduce evidence testing backlogs in forensic labs.”
Funding will be used by OCJS to hire and maintain qualified personnel to assist in reducing backlogs of forensic science evidence, obtain critical and up-to-date information available on forensic analysis through professional conferences, trainings, and networking opportunities, and procure technology and supplies that will maintain or enhance laboratory accreditation.
Funding will allow for staff to continue training and improve equipment which is necessary for OCJS laboratories to maintain standards of ASCLD/LAB accreditation.
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