We have gone from 13 to 21 DNA scientists this year. If all 8 of the trainees were fully trained, our DNA backlog would amount to roughly 12 months. It will not completely eliminate the problem. We estimate we need a total of 27 trained DNA scientists to deal with the present caseload and 41 to clean up the backlog and be prepared for future casework. The need for additional DNA scientists is predicated on the success of DNA evidence.
Success breeds success.
Again, if we receive more, we can do more and do it more rapidly. Forensic Sciences is able to do this without any additional expense to the District Attorneys or other investigators. Without question, the biggest success of the department in the last year has been the complete statewide implementation of the new Draeger DUI breath-testing program. We have installed 230 new sites and trained 5500 operators, resulting in 25,000 new DUI cases to date. Our personnel expenses are high but experienced, qualified scientific personnel are essential in the area of Forensic Sciences.