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Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants
About the Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program
The Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program, which is administered by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) through the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), may be issued to units of state and local government, primarily to assist with improvements in quality and timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner services.
Spokane County Grant Uses
The Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office (SCMEO) applied to this grants program, and in October 2010, the SCMEO was awarded the Paul Coverdell Forensic Sciences Improvement Grant in the amount of $47,766. These grant funds were used between October 1, 2010 and January 31, 2012 to add or replace outdated equipment as well as to send employees to required training.
With these funds the SCMEO was able to purchase updated laptops for the Medicolegal Death Investigators, as well as new scene cameras and cameras for use in autopsy. This office purchased digital fingerprint scanners. Previously this office used ink printing as the primary fingerprint method. In conjunction with local partners, this office was able to scan old hard copy x-rays into a digital format which will allow for better storage and ease of searching for these x-rays. The office was able to purchase a new copier and printers to replace worn out equipment. Grant funds were used to send three employees to required training.
Due to Spokane County budget constraints in recent years, none of the above would have been possible without receiving the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant funding.
Staff Training
As stated above, this grant provided the opportunity to Spokane County Medical Examiner Employees to attend some required training. Below are links to three presentations that employees gave to other members of the office based upon that training:
The Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program, which is administered by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) through the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), may be issued to units of state and local government, primarily to assist with improvements in quality and timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner services.
Spokane County Grant Uses
The Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office (SCMEO) applied to this grants program, and in October 2010, the SCMEO was awarded the Paul Coverdell Forensic Sciences Improvement Grant in the amount of $47,766. These grant funds were used between October 1, 2010 and January 31, 2012 to add or replace outdated equipment as well as to send employees to required training.
With these funds the SCMEO was able to purchase updated laptops for the Medicolegal Death Investigators, as well as new scene cameras and cameras for use in autopsy. This office purchased digital fingerprint scanners. Previously this office used ink printing as the primary fingerprint method. In conjunction with local partners, this office was able to scan old hard copy x-rays into a digital format which will allow for better storage and ease of searching for these x-rays. The office was able to purchase a new copier and printers to replace worn out equipment. Grant funds were used to send three employees to required training.
Due to Spokane County budget constraints in recent years, none of the above would have been possible without receiving the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant funding.
Staff Training
As stated above, this grant provided the opportunity to Spokane County Medical Examiner Employees to attend some required training. Below are links to three presentations that employees gave to other members of the office based upon that training:
- American Academy of Forensic Science Highlights (PDF)
- National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (PDF)
- X-Ray Safety (PDF)