COLUMBUS, Ohio – In a move aimed at bolstering forensic science capabilities across the state, Governor Mike DeWine today announced an additional $3.4 million in funding for the Ohio Crime Lab Efficiency Program. This initiative was established in 2022 to empower Ohio’s certified crime laboratories to tackle backlogs, enhance overall efficiency, and expedite evidence processing times.
“The success of criminal investigations hinges on the timely and meticulous work performed by dedicated forensic scientists and chemists within Ohio’s crime labs,” Governor DeWine emphasized. “The initial $10 million allocated in 2022 demonstrably aided crime labs in significantly reducing backlogs. This additional funding will further equip labs to maintain efficient turnaround times.”
This latest round of funding will be distributed amongst eleven certified crime laboratories throughout the state. Labs in Cuyahoga, Franklin, Lake, Licking, Lorain, Lucas, and Montgomery counties are all slated to receive financial support. Eligible expenses covered by the grant program encompass hiring additional personnel, acquiring advanced technology, and outsourcing lab work when necessary.
The Governor underscored that both rounds of funding directed towards Ohio’s crime labs stem from a broader $250 million investment spearheaded by the DeWine-Husted Administration and the Ohio General Assembly. This comprehensive initiative aims to empower state and local first responder agencies in their battle against rising violent crime rates. The funding also seeks to mitigate the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on staffing levels and the overall well-being of first responders.
Other programs supported through this larger investment include the Ohio Violent Crime Reduction Grant Program, the Ohio Ballistics Testing Initiative, the Ohio First Responder Recruitment, Retention, and Resilience Program, the Ohio Court Backlog Reduction Program, and the Community Violence Prevention Grant Program. These multifaceted initiatives collectively strive to bolster public safety and create a more secure environment for Ohio’s residents.
