An internal audit of the state's DNA testing facilities could call for more lab technicians than the governor originally planned for. Governor Jim Doyle has in the past said he wants to add at least 15 new technicians to clear up a backlog of DNA evidence that needs to be tested, but Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen says more techs than that may be needed. Van Hollen says nearly 50 percent of cases coming through the door are being delayed with a current staff of 29 technicians.
The Department of Justice is currently conducting an internal audit of the state crime labs. Van Hollen says that information could be used to ask the governor for more staff. He says the input of the Department of Justice should help show the governor why more staff is needed. Van Hollen says the Governor is aware that the DOJ could request more new staff than the previous Attorney General did.
Van Hollen says the audit should be completed before the governor's budget address next week.