MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) — Law enforcement agencies across the Wiregrass could receive faster and more accurate forensic results through a new state grant announced by Gov. Kay Ivey.
Ivey awarded a $262,770 grant to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences to purchase equipment used in opioid and other synthetic drug cases.
The department provides forensic testing services to more than 450 law enforcement agencies across Alabama, including agencies serving the Wiregrass.
“Our law enforcement agencies depend on the timely analysis of evidence in cases involving opioid misuse,” Ivey said. “I am pleased to award this grant to assist the Department of Forensic Sciences in its efforts to prepare results for so many law enforcement agencies in our state.”
The funding will pay for morgue equipment and a Random Access Biochip Technology Analyzer, also known as a RABTA. The laboratory device can rapidly screen one sample for several drugs at the same time.
According to state forensic officials, the equipment will help speed up toxicology testing and improve the accuracy of results. That could help Wiregrass investigators and coroners receive needed findings more quickly in drug-related deaths and criminal cases.
Officials said the department has seen a steady increase in opioid-related death investigations and toxicology submissions at its medical examiner facilities.
The grant was awarded through the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program. The program helps state and local governments improve the quality and speed of forensic science and medical examiner or coroner services.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs will administer the federal funding provided by the U.S. Department of Justice.
“ADECA stands with Gov. Ivey in her efforts to provide much-needed support to statewide law enforcement agencies like the Department of Forensic Sciences,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.
ADECA administers programs supporting law enforcement, crime victims, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.
