Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funds to Improve DNA Analysis in North Dakota

Statement

U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced $200,000 in federal funds for the North Dakota Office of Attorney General to improve the efficiency of DNA analysis.

These funds will be used to reduce forensic DNA sample turnaround time, increase the amount of DNA laboratories and reduce DNA backlogs. By doing so, North Dakota's criminal justice system will be able to use the full potential of DNA technologies and analysis in the most efficient and cost effective ways.

"As our state grows, so does our need to build out our law enforcement's capacity to handle an increase of crime and caseloads," said Heitkamp. "Supporting North Dakota's DNA facilities and analysis is important to making sure our law enforcement have the necessary resources to keep our families and communities safe. As a former North Dakota Attorney General, I understand the importance in investing in the latest technologies that increase efficiency and accuracy and reduce backlogs in order to bring cases to conclusion and keep our communities safe. These funds are critical to law enforcement in North Dakota, and I will continue to make sure they have the resources they need as our state continues to grow."

Last week, Heitkamp launched her new Strong and Safe Communities Initiative to help address some of the emerging challenges facing the state by bringing a greater focus to keeping North Dakota's communities strong and families safe in their homes. Included in her efforts is a focus on combating the increase of crime and drug crime that has increased with the energy development in Western North Dakota.

Source