Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program

This brief document provides an overview of the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program (the Coverdell program), administered by the Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). The fact sheet lists the program’s six goals, which include: to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner/coroner services in state; to eliminate a backlog in the analysis of forensic science evidence; to train, assist, and employ forensic laboratory personnel and medicolegal death investigators; to educate and train forensic pathologists; and to fund systems to facilitate the accreditation of medical examiner and coroner offices, and the certification of medicolegal death investigators. The document informs of program funding and awards, and past accomplishments from 2002 to 2022. Additionally, the fact sheet provides information about BJA.