Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 9, 2012

SCHUMER ANNOUNCES OVER $71K DEPT. OF JUSTICE INVESTMENT FOR MONROE COUNTY; INVESTMENT TO IMPROVE MEDICAL EXAMINER OFFICE AND UPGRADE TECHNOLOGY

DOJ Funding Will Support Medical Examiner’s Work to Streamline Operation, Speed Processing of Evidence; Help Identify & Prosecute In Monroe County

Schumer: By Supporting Local Law Enforcement, We Can Help Keep Our Community Safe

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that Monroe County will receive a grant totaling $71,622 from the Department of Justice National Institute of Justice Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant Program. Specifically, Monroe County will use funds to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner services by replacing an obsolete computed radiology (CR) system, transitioning from paper to digital death scene documentation, providing continuing education for pathologists and investigators as well as provide supplies for the collection and retention of DNA samples.

"Keeping our communities safe is job number one. This investment will keep Monroe’s Medical Examiner on the cutting edge to improve turnaround time for the analysis of forensic evidence that our law enforcement officials need to identify and prosecute crimes in Monroe County,” said Schumer. “I am pleased such an important federal investment is being made in Monroe County and that our law enforcement officials and prosecutors will have access to the evidence they need to keep our communities safe.”

The Department of Justice and National Institute of Justice Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant program furthers the Department’s mission by providing States and units of local government with tools needed to meet the challenges of crime and justice. Specifically, this program seeks to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner services, including services provided by laboratories operated by States and units of local government.

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