U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced $4,039,479 in Department of Justice grants to the Eastern District of North Carolina to fund crime laboratories, decrease DNA backlogs, support basic and applied forensic research, and help law enforcement identify missing persons. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of $192 million in funding to advance forensic science nationwide.

 

“Developments in forensic science have given investigators an extraordinary array of tools that can be enlisted to solve crimes and bring answers to victims and survivors, often after many years and even decades,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These investments in crime-fighting technology, from DNA analysis to drug toxicology to forensic anthropology, will help identify and convict perpetrators, ensure justice for innocent victims and keep communities safe by deterring future criminal activity.”

 

“These critical funds will help law enforcement all across the Eastern District of North Carolina as they work to solve crimes, bring offenders to justice and provide answers for victims of crime,” said Higdon.  “And these funds will improve and enhance the work of law enforcement for years to come by strengthening our foundation in these areas.”

 

Since 2004, the Office of Justice Programs has received an annual appropriation for DNA and other forensic science activities. The funding, administered through OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and National Institute of Justice, supports DNA analysis, laboratory capacity enhancement and forensic science research that provides knowledge and tools to improve the quality and practice of forensic science.

 

The following organizations received funding:

 

• North Carolina Department of Justice, $1,696,313

• North Carolina Department of Public Safety, $565,683

• Raleigh-Wake City/County Bureau of Investigation, $237,279

• North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts, $390,504

• City of Fayetteville, $1,000,000

• North Carolina State University, $150,000