NCJ Number
248917
Date Published
December 2014
Length
28 pages
Annotation
Findings, recommendations, and methodology are presented for the U.S. Justice Department's Office of the Inspector General's audit of three cooperative agreements awarded to the City of Philadelphia, PA, by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) under the Federal DNA Backlog Reduction Program, which is intended to reduce DNA backlogs in State and local crime laboratories.
Abstract
The objective of these awards is to improve crime laboratories capability to analyze DNA samples more efficiently while maintaining quality results. The audit determined whether reimbursements claimed for costs under the cooperative agreements were allowable, supported, and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, guidelines, and the terms and conditions of the awards. The audit also assessed Philadelphia's program performance in meeting award-funded objectives and overall accomplishments. The review of Philadelphia's compliance with key award conditions found that Philadelphia generally met the terms and conditions of the awards. The Philadelphia Laboratory also met the performance measurement standards established for the awards. The laboratory improved most of the performance measurements examined; however, measurement results were sometimes difficult to interpret and could lead to unanticipated outcomes. There was also one instance related to the management of accountable property in which the standards of the OJP (Office of Justice Programs) Financial Guide were not met. The one recommendation offered is that the laboratory update its property and equipment inventory records to comply with OJP requirements related to accountable property and equipment. 1 table, 3 figures, and appended objective, scope, and methodology of the audit; stakeholder responses to the draft audit report; and a summary of actions necessary to close the report