BJA FY 20 Academic-based Drug Field Testing and Training Initiative

Currently, crime and forensics labs across the country are overwhelmed. This backup can often lead to delays in forensic lab testing and analysis, leading to a ripple effect of delayed prosecution and adjudication throughout the system. While some forensic analysis must be conducted in a laboratory environment, other methods are emerging, like rapid drug testing, that can be performed in the field. Currently, a lack of training and technical assistance related to the development and implementation of these technologies and techniques at the local level exists. This program seeks to fill that void. Under this program, BJA will select an applicant to establish a pilot program to develop a nationwide training model, led by an accredited institution of higher learning, pertaining to available rapid identification technology and scientifically sound field collection and testing methods which can be used when drugs are discovered in the field. The training should support evidence collection and testing technologies and methods that are reliable within State and Local court system.