MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded a $267,320 grant to help the state Department of Forensic Sciences keep up with the advancements in scientific evidence-gathering methods.
The grant funds will enable the department to purchase new and upgraded forensic equipment to help Alabama law enforcement agencies solve crimes and prosecute offenders.
“The work of the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences is so often critical in determining whether a criminal goes free or goes to prison,” Ivey said. “This new and more up-to-date equipment will enhance the ability of technicians to provide results in a timelier manner.”
The Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences provides services for more than 450 law enforcement agencies throughout the state. The department regularly conducts tests relating to forensics, drug chemistry, firearm and toolmark identification. Testing conducted using the new equipment is expected to save the state time and money and will improve the department’s ability to reduce backlogs.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available to the state from the U.S. Department of Justice.
“The importance of forensic sciences to Alabama law enforcement officers and prosecutors cannot be understated,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “Like Gov. Ivey, ADECA appreciates the hard work, long hours and top-notch analysis that state forensic technicians are called on to do each and every day.”
Gov. Ivey notified state Forensics Director Angelo Della Manna that the grant had been approved.
ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.
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