Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Representative Dan Maffei today announced $425,128 in federal funding for the Syracuse area. The funding was allocated through the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs. Syracuse University will receive $213,372 to enact an 18-month intensive forensic DNA research program. Onondaga County will receive $211,756 to support their criminal justice system and reduce forensic DNA evidence turnaround time in order to reduce their DNA backlog.
“When it comes to protecting Syracuse residents, we must be tough, smart, and prepared,” said Senator Schumer. “These investments in research and new technology will allow Onondaga County’s law enforcement to be more efficient with DNA processing, which will better keep our streets and neighborhoods safe. Making sure the brave men and women that serve in our police departments have the resources they need to continue their important work will always be a top priority of mine.”
“When we reduce the DNA backlog, we can hold more dangerous criminals accountable, keep predators off our streets, and keep our families safe,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am pleased the Syracuse area will get this federal funding for research and development; and to clear their DNA backlog, so we can give victims the justice they deserve.”
“This federal funding is an investment that will make our communities in Syracuse and throughout Onondaga County safer,” said Rep. Maffei. “It is critical that local agencies have the tools and technology they need to solve crimes and keep dangerous criminals off our streets, and I will continue to advocate for federal support for the criminal justice system in Central New York.”
“This is an important grant that allows our Forensic Laboratories to address and reduce DNA backlogs,” said Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney. “Onondaga County uses this funding to analyze DNA samples and reduce turnaround time enhancing the services provided to the criminal justice community.”
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is the research, development and evaluation agency of the U.S. Department of Justice. The Department of Justice and National Institute of Justice DNA Backlog Reduction Program furthers the Department’s mission by providing States and local governments with resources needed to bring criminals to justice.