September 30, 2015
Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency Announces Federal
Award to Improve Forensic Sciences for Law Enforcement
Harrisburg, PA. — The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)
announced the receipt of over $305,000 in grant funds from the U.S. Department
of Justice to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services
throughout Pennsylvania. These funds will go to forensic science service
providers to assist with obtaining and maintaining their accreditations.
“Forensic science plays a critical role in
modern law enforcement,” Chairman Josh Shapiro said. “These funds will help ensure that
Pennsylvania stays on the leading edge of forensic science which is directly
linked to the finding and prosecuting of criminals.”
PCCD intends to release a competitive
solicitation to forensic science providers in the Commonwealth who specialize
in biological evidence, analysis of controlled substances, crime scene
investigation, shoeprint and tire track evidence, toolmark and firearms
identification, analysis of explosive evidence, digital and multimedia
analysis, as well as other forensic science disciplines. Ensuring that agencies
that provide these services are accredited will lead to improved compliance
with industry best practices and improves the quality of their services.
Cumberland County
District Attorney Dave Freed added, “The funds that we in Cumberland County receive
from PCCD in support of our forensic programs have been a tremendous help. Our
forensic efforts are designed to make us more efficient in dealing with the
main drivers of business in our Criminal Courts. With PCCD's help we have
created a one stop shop for drug and DUI cases, reduced costs and saved court
time.”
In addition, funds will be used to support the
certification of forensic specialists. This will allow forensic science
providers to increase the competency of their employees in designated fields.
Priority will be given to those agencies that have or are currently completing
accreditation.
“Forensic certification leads to improved
services and capabilities,” Shapiro said.
“In addition, it assists in having these technicians recognized as
experts in the court room.”
Our Mission is to enhance the quality, coordination and planning
within the criminal and juvenile justice systems, to facilitate the delivery of
services to victims of crime, and to increase the safety of our communities.
MEDIA CONTACT: Matthew Leonard,
717.265.8539
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