Department of Forensic Sciences Looks to Add Employees
By
Morgan Hightower
Story Created:
Jun 9, 2010
Story Updated:
Jun 9, 2010
WLTZ - Leaders are trying to make it quicker in getting results back.
Waiting seems to be the process when it comes to DNA cases in Forensic Sciences.
The Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences is short staffed and has a backlog of about 1600 untouched cases.
“We can have cases that can be two years old...it’s about a eight month backlog and we have somethings that are rushed,” said Director of Alabama Forensic Sciences Michael Sparks.
The Alabama Forensic Science Department oversees about 3,000 DNA cases a year.
Sparks says the closing of the Columbus station shouldn't have an effect on Alabama, but they could be asked to help if needed.
"We actually do testimony and support their justice system like they do ours....we have an agreement that we do that"
The department is down 18 positions statewide, but Sparks says they don't skip a step in the forensic process. "We are actually doing more now per sample than we ever have. We are very busy with our short term results."
The drug, autopsy, and firearm analysis takes about 90 days to get results back.
Sparks says DNA testing is time consuming and very expensive, costing about $1,800 a case.
Now, the department receives about 250 DNA cases a month.
Fortunately they’re adding to their staff to help work through all those cases.
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