WHITE PLAINS – The US Department of Justice awarded $209,355 to Westchester County to reduce the current backlog of cases to be analyzed for DNA.
The county estimated that by the end of 2018, there will be some 305 backlogged forensic DNA cases. Between 2010 and 2017, the average annual increase of cases was nine percent. To reduce the current backlog, the county will use the federal funding to cover equipment purchases, overtime and travel expenses.
“This critical federal funding will ensure Westchester County has the resources to reduce its DNA backlog and increase its capacity to handle future cases, improve public safety in the process,” said Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D, NY-17).
County Executive George Latimer said the county is “actively working to reduce the remaining casework backlog and upgrade our equipment to improve efficiency going forward.”
