PILLAR: Safe
AGENDA DATE: August 12, 2026
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): Citywide
DEPARTMENT: Dallas Police Department
PRIORITY: Government Efficiency
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize the (1) application for and acceptance of a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, National Institute of Justice through the Texas Office of the Governor Criminal Justice Division (CJD) for the CD-Coverdell Nat’l Forensic Sciences Improve Act (Grant No. 5414801, Federal/State Award ID No. 15PBJA-25-GG-02163-COVE, Assistance Listing No. 16.742) in the amount of $300,000.00 to make improvements to the quality and timely processing of forensic evidence resulting in an overall reduction in the backlog of non-DNA evidence for the period October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026; (2) establishment of appropriations in an amount not to exceed $300,000.00 in the CJD Forensic Sciences DPD Crime Scene Grant Fund; (3) receipt and deposit of funds in an amount not to exceed $300,000.00 in the CJD Forensic Sciences DPD Crime Scene Grant Fund; and (4) execution of the grant agreement with CJD and all terms, conditions, and documents required by the agreement - Not to exceed $300,000.00 - Financing: CJD Forensic Sciences DPD Crime Scene Grant Fund
Body
BACKGROUND
The Dallas Police Department is requesting funding to expand and enhance forensic services within the Crime Scene Division. This project will improve three critical areas: firearms analysis, latent print processing, and latent print analysis. Current staffing, equipment, and technology limitations require the Department to rely on outside laboratories for many firearms examinations, resulting in delays due to significant backlogs. Funding will allow the Department to perform more of this work in-house using advanced technology, including three-dimensional and virtual comparison microscopy recommended by the Texas Forensic Science Commission, improving both the quality and timeliness of forensic examinations. The project will also upgrade the Department's Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) by adding Case AFIS capability, allowing investigators to conduct faster, case-specific fingerprint comparisons that improve investigative efficiency. In addition, replacing aging latent print processing and digital imaging equipment will ensure the Crime Scene Unit can continue to recover, preserve, and analyze critical fingerprint evidence. These improvements will reduce reliance on outside agencies, shorten turnaround times, strengthen criminal investigations, and better support the prosecution of offenders while enhancing public safety across the City of Dallas.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
This item has no prior action.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2026 |
FY 2027 |
Future Years |
|
CJD Forensic Sciences DPD Crime Scene Grant Fund |
$300,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |