FBI CRIME LAB REDUCES DNA TESTING BACKLOG FROM OVER 3200 CASES TO 403 CASES
A September 2012 Department of Justice Inspector General Audit Report revealed that the backlog of DNA cases at the FBI crime lab has been reduced from a high of more than 3200 down to 403. The nuclear DNA units backlog decreased from 2722 cases in March of 2010, to 110 cases as of March 2012. The reduction in cases has been attributed to an increase in staff and more automation in the laboratory.
This report comes on the heels of a Washington Post report over the summer concerning flawed forensic work at the FBI lab. According to the Washington Post report officials began to review cases in the 1990s after they receive reports concerning sloppy work by examiners at the FBI lab which produced unreliable forensic evidence. This evidence was in turn used at trial to get convictions. In a number of cases defendants have moved for a new trial based upon the flawed forensic evidence which was presented at trial.
William K. Bradford – Bradford Ladner, LLP.
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