Weekly News Brief

New DNA Backlog Report - The National Institute of Justice released the special report, Making Sense of DNA Backlogs - Myths vs. Reality. The demand for DNA analysis is enormous and only continues to grow as awareness of this important forensic tool increases. The report examines the myths and realities of DNA backlogs in crime laboratories, and explains that backlogs are not a onetime event. The report highlights a clear pattern: new cases received by DNA laboratories continue to outpace their capacity, leading to persistent backlogs. This new report will help policymakers and practitioners better understand the challenges of analyzing large volumes of DNA evidence. The special report is available at www.ojp.gov/nij.

Law Enforcement Methamphetamine Summit - Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Mary Lou Leary will provide the keynote address on the topic of recovering America's communities at the National Rural Law Enforcement Methamphetamine Summit on June 22- 24 in Denver, Colo. Colorado Governor Ritter will participate in the summit, which is sponsored by the Bureau of Justice Assistance and Strategic Applications International.

Tribal Justice Sessions - The Department of Justice is holding an Interdepartmental Tribal Justice, Safety and Wellness Session today through Friday, June 18, in Rapid City, S.D. The session is co-sponsored by the Departments of Health and Human Services, Interior, and Housing and Urban Development, the Small Business Administration and the Corporation for National and Community Service. Workshops and plenary sessions focus on tribal courts; detention facilities; tribal youth programs; victim's assistance; suicide prevention; alcohol and substance abuse; community-based partnerships; sex offender management, registration and notification programs; and data reporting and information sharing. The sessions will also discuss federal grants and contract application and management and reporting requirements; health care; housing and community development; and tribal data systems. Additional information can be found at http://www.tribaljusticeandsafety.gov.

Nominations for 2009-2010 Medal of Valor - The OJP is accepting nominations for the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor until 8 p.m., EDT, on Saturday, July 31, 2010. The Medal of Valor is the highest national award for valor by a public safety officer. The medal is awarded by the President to public safety officers cited by the Attorney General for having exhibited exception courage in protecting or saving lives.
https://ojp.gov/newsroom/pressreleases/2010/BJA10077.htm

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