Congressman Steven C. Latourette - Representing the People of the 14th Congressional District of Ohio
Date:  September 24, 2004
 

Lake County Crime Lab to receive federal DNA Grant
 
 
(Washington, DC)  --  U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette (R-Concord) today announced that the Lake County Crime Lab is the recipient of a $61,603 federal grant for DNA analysis and processing. The grant is through the U.S. Department of Justice’s DNA Capacity Enhancement Program.

LaTourette said this federal program provides funds to existing crime labs to help them improve their analysis capacity so DNA backlogs don’t occur.

"The Lake County Crime Lab helps local law enforcement agencies solve crimes in an efficient and effective manner, and it’s imperative that they be able to process DNA samples without developing a backlog," LaTourette said.

LaTourette said a recent federal study indicated there are nearly 543,000 crime cases where possible DNA evidence is either in the possession of local law enforcement, or backlogged at forensic crime laboratories.

"DNA samples can convict the guilty and exonerate the innocent, and it’s imperative that our crime labs have the tools to use this remarkable technology," LaTourette said. "I’m thrilled that the Lake County Crime Lab is the recipient of this important federal funding, and I know this money will be put to great use."