Rapid DNA systems require a significant initial investment; however, there is strong pressure to budget for these initiatives given the reductions in personnel in major crime areas.
Because of the challenges that even the best labs face in maintaining a high-quality, reliable forensic workflow, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has spent more than $500 million since 2004 to add infrastructure and IT systems to help reduce the backlog. Many laboratories have used the DOJ's grant program to purchase automation and database technologies. Other funding opportunities include Justice Assistance Grants and the COPS Community Policing Development program (also from DOJ), state and local grants with a law enforcement focus, and private corporate and family foundations. Many of these grants are focused on crime prevention, forensics, and the training required to install new technologies.