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Author: Yujiemi Chisholm

ME/C Performance Metrics – Alternate Layout

Strengthening the Medical Examiner-Coroner (ME/C) System Program Fellowship/Purpose Area 1: 74 fellowships funded 60 participants completed fellowship training 14,931 deaths investigated by fellows 15,372 autopsies performed by fellows Accreditation/Purpose Area 2: 178 individuals sought certification 62 individuals achieved certification 21 organizations achieved accreditation
October 2026

COLD Performance Metrics – Alternate Layout

Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA (COLD) Program Since 2019, COLD Program funds were used to: Identify >175 suspects who were previously unknown, including >50 identifications as a result of Forensic Genetic Genealogy Prosecute >45 cases that have resulted in convictions Charge or indict >100 cases Resolve/close >150 cold cases
October 2026

Postconviction Performance Metrics – Alternate Layout

Postconviction Testing of DNA Evidence (Postconviction) Program >740,000 hours of case review performed, representing an estimate of >350 work years >2,200 cases where DNA analysis was performed >350 profiles uploaded to Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) and >100 CODIS hits >55,000 new cases reviewed and >125,000 continuing cases reviewed with
October 2026

Coverdell Performance Metrics – Alternate Layout

Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants (Coverdell) Program From FY2011-FY2023 Coverdell Program funds were used to: Analyze >2 million backlogged cases resulting in >450 agencies decreasing their backlogged cases Support >170,000 hours of training for forensic personnel, >15,500 hours of training for medical examiners/coroners, and >6,500 hours of training for pathologists Help
October 2026

MUHR Performance Metrics – Alternate Layout

Missing and Unidentified Human Remains (MUHR) Program Since its inception in 2022, MUHR Program funds were used to: Make >800 identifications >240 identifications were made using fingerprints >300 identifications were made using traditional DNA analysis Repatriate >500 cases to relatives or next of kin
October 2026

CEBR Performance Metrics – Alternate Layout

DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program >1.8 million cases completed >3.9 million database samples completed >790,000 forensic (crime scene) profiles uploaded to Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) >3.7 million database profiles uploaded to CODIS >360,000 CODIS hits
October 2026
Forensics TTA

Virtual Training for Identifying the Unidentified

The Virtual Training for Identifying the Unidentified is a a no-cost, self-paced training series available through the Forensics TTA Virtual Academy. This collection of on-demand videos explore best practices, forensic technologies, and collaborative strategies used to identify missing persons and unidentified human remains. Through expert-led presentations and real-world case studies, learners examine topics such as DNA analysis, fingerprints, Forensic Genetic Genealogy, interagency partnerships, family engagement, and public outreach. The course highlights practical resources and investigative approaches that help advance identification efforts, resolve long-term cases, and support families seeking answers.
October 2026
Forensics TTA

Bureau of Justice Assistance Forensics Unit Programs Forensic Genetic Genealogy Fact Sheet

Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) recognizes that Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG) can be a powerful investigative tool for resolving violent crimes. By combining traditional genealogy research methods with forensic DNA analysis, law enforcement can develop investigative leads that may assist in identifying an unknown perpetrator or an unidentified victim of a violent crime. This fact sheet highlights funding and technical resources offered by BJA in support of FGG and illustrates the impact FGG is having across BJA grantees.
October 2026
Forensics TTA

2026 Forensics TTA Calendar of National and Regional Events

The Forensics TTA calendar of events provides a centralized view of national and large-scale regional conferences, trainings, and other events of interest to BJA Forensics Program grantees. This calendar is a downloadable resource designed to assist grantees with effective planning of event attendance when supported by BJA Forensics Program funding. Event entries are color coded by event type – conferences, trainings, and other (e.g., meetings, convenings). Clicking on a color-coded event entry produces a pop-up box which provides information including its name, date(s), and location along with a direct link to the event’s main page for additional details such as the agenda and registration, travel, and lodging information. Questions about applying or utilizing BJA funding to attend any events presented on this calendar should be directed to your assigned BJA Policy and Programs Office representatives. Explore the calendar today and contact the Forensics TTA team via Forensicstta@rti.org with any questions or suggestions for ensuring this resource best fits your needs! 
September 2026
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BocaPost

PBSO Identifies Woman Whose Remains Were Found Near Boynton Beach in 2023

On May 11, 2023, unidentified human remains were discovered in Palm Beach County, Florida. Through funding provided by the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s (BJA’s) Missing and Identified Human Remains (MUHR) Program, DNA was extracted from the remains, a partial profile was developed, and the profile was entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) Forensic Imaging Unit also developed and publicly released a facial reconstruction; however, neither CODIS nor public outreach generated viable leads. PBSO subsequently submitted the case for Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG) analysis using funding from the PBSO Forensic Genetic Testing grant awarded by the State of Florida. This analysis generated investigative leads suggesting 75-year-old Regina Hess as a potential match. MUHR-funded kinship analysis, combined with the FGG findings, confirmed the identification in August 2026.
September 2026