Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Forensics topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Pittsburg County approves submission of $500,000 Rapid DNA grant application
Summary
The Pittsburg County commissioners voted July 6 to approve a Department of Justice grant application seeking $500,000 to buy Rapid DNA equipment and supplies for the sheriff's office, a proposal county staff said would speed forensic leads across southeastern Oklahoma.
The Pittsburg County Board of County Commissioners voted July 6 to approve submitting a Department of Justice Byrne discretionary grant application that requests $500,000 to establish Rapid DNA testing capability at the sheriff's office.
Frankie McClendon, a county staff member who explained the application to the board, said the request covers a Rapid DNA instrument, software and computer workstation, manufacturer service and support, single-use consumable cartridges and other laboratory operational supplies. According to the grant paperwork included in the packet, the budget breaks down approximately as $226,045 for equipment, $112,500 for consumable cartridges and roughly $39,950 for operational supplies; $21,505 is budgeted for service and support.
The application describes Rapid DNA as a way to shorten forensic turnaround times — producing profiles in about 90 minutes — and to provide earlier investigative leads and faster answers for victims and families. McClendon told the commissioners the grant would align with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation's statewide initiative to expand Rapid DNA access; he said the sheriff's office would work with regional partners if the award is made.
Chairman Ross Selman moved to approve the grant application; Vice-Chairman Mike Haynes seconded the motion. The board recorded a unanimous vote in favor. No conditions or funding match were listed in the packet; the document identifies the request as a 100% federal ask in the amount of $500,000.
If funded, county documents show the sheriff's office would purchase and install the instrument, stock cartridges and maintain a manufacturer service contract. The packet notes the county intends the capability to support investigations involving sexual assaults, homicides, crimes against children, property crimes with biological evidence, and missing-persons cases.
The board did not set an implementation timetable at the meeting; commissioners approved the application for submittal to the Department of Justice.
