U.S. Sen. John Cornyn announced that the Fort Worth area will receive more than $2.1 million to clear DNA test backlogs.
Last month, the U.S. Department of Justice, as part of the Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction, awarded $2.1 million in federal grants to the City of Fort Worth, the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, and Tarrant County to help reduce their backlogs of DNA testing and aid law enforcement’s efforts in investigating, prosecuting, and solving crimes.
The City of Fort Worth will receive $689,620, UNT HSC will receive $981,387, and Tarrant County will receive $516,863. In total, the federal grant equals $2,187,870.
“DNA analysis is a critical tool used to identify perpetrators, exonerate innocent suspects, and solve cases,” said Cornyn. “I am proud of the work we’ve done to reduce the backlog of DNA tests over the years, but I will not rest until every victim and family in Texas has the answers they’re looking for and the justice they deserve.”
Fort Worth Police Department Chief Neil Noakes told Texas Scorecard that he is thankful for Cornyn’s work and commitment to helping crime victims.
“We are grateful for Senator Cornyn’s shared commitment of doing whatever it takes to support crime victims and hold offenders accountable. This aligns with our department’s focus of facing this head-on and getting things done right,” said Noakes. “This $2M grant aimed at reducing the backlog of DNA testing will undoubtedly expedite the process, strengthen our collaboration with forensic labs, and improve overall community safety.”
During a November 5 City Council work session, Noakes revealed that the system has more than 700 overdue sexual assault cases.
