To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Tyler Brown, Sheriff
Prepared By:
prepared
Kimberly Morrow, Laboratory Director, Unified Forensic Laboratory
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presenter
Presenter:
Kimberly Morrow, Laboratory Director, Unified Forensic Laboratory
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Subject:
title
Grant Opportunity: BJA FY 2026 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Competitive Grants Program
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
We are seeking approval from the BOCC to apply for the 2026 Coverdell Competitive Grants Program. If awarded, the grant will support the Unified Forensic Laboratory through the purchase of new instrumentation to increase the available technology in the Seized Drug/Chemistry Unit, expand current technology in the Firearms Unit, as well as cover the costs for validation and implementation of the technology. Grant award amounts vary from partial to full funding based on application evaluation and available funds.
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Alignment with Strategic Plan: Safe and Healthy Communities: Advances public safety by increasing the available instrumentation at the UFL, which serves Arapahoe County and the surrounding areas.
Background and Discussion: Forensic science continues to advance at a dramatic rate and continues to be a crucial part of the judicial system. A large focus, both state-wide and nationally in the field of forensics, is how to increase the quality of forensic testing, as well as implement new and emerging technologies. The UFL is seeking funds to obtain advanced technology for multiple analytical units.
Previously under a Coverdell competitive grant, the UFL was able to obtain and validate the Cadre TopMatch 3D Imaging System. This technology allows for firearms examiners to virtually image and compare fired cartridge casings, decreasing the triage time for casework. Additionally, the system acts as a Virtual Comparison Microscope (VCM), allowing for high-resolution imaging to document comparisons. This technology has led to an...
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