WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced $922,947 for West Virginia from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Funding will be used to improve forensic capabilities and assist law enforcement with investigating crimes.

“West Virginia law enforcement put their lives on the line every day. They deserve the most up-to-date tools and technology to assist them in performing their duties,” Senator Capito said. “This funding will support the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory and provide law enforcement with the latest in forensic science research.”

“Keeping our state safe takes a lot of work and effort from our law enforcement officers. It is my top priority to assist them in their work in any way possible,” Senator Manchin said. “I look forward to watching our men and women in blue fully utilize this grant in their everyday work.”

Individual awards listed below: 

  • $436,114 – West Virginia State Police: This funding from the DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program will assist the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory with analyzing DNA samples, assisting law enforcement with investigations.
  • $378,501 – West Virginia University Research Corporation: This funding from the Research and Development in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes program will support ballistic research that will improve the Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS), helping law enforcement match firearms to crimes.
  • $108,332 – West Virginia Division of Justice and Community Services: This funding from the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program will allow the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory to provide continued education and training to its forensic analysts, improving the lab’s responsiveness and service to West Virginia law enforcement.

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