FEDERAL FUNDING WILL ALSO HELP EXONERATE FALSELY ACCUSED
Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland secured federal grant funding for the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) Rapid DNA Forensic Technology for Investigations system to help reduce the testing backlog and improve public safety.
“We all want to live and work in communities that are safe, just, and secure,” said Strickland. “This means clearing up the backlog of DNA testing so law enforcement can focus their resources on solving crimes. Federal funding helps fill funding gaps, and ensures that this new testing technology will be put to use here in the South Sound.”
“With the assistance of Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland, The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office has been able to secure funding for rapid DNA technology. This technology will aide TCSO and our regional partners in processing DNA samples in real-time, providing actionable information to aide in ongoing investigations, identifying human remains, linking suspects in previous crimes and exonerating the innocent,” said Thurston County Sheriff, Derek Sanders.
This Community Project Funding grant will support the Thurston County Sherriff’s Office, and neighboring jurisdictions with a regional Rapid DNA system. It will create investigative leads and allow the Sheriff’s Office to quickly give information for victim identification when needed.
The Rapid DNA technology can also be used to exonerate individuals who are falsely accused.
This grant award is one of fourteen FY23 Community Project Funding (CPF) grants Congresswoman Strickland secured. Read more about these here: https://strickland.house.gov/media/press-releases/strickland-secures-19-million-south-sound
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