When J.B. Van Hollen came into office the DNA backlog at the Crime Lab had grown faster than government.  For every two cases recieved, one was being processed and the other was added to the backlog.

In 2008, the Crime Labs are averaging over 220 DNA cases completed per month – more than doubling their efficiency.

Attorney General Van Hollen believed it was unacceptable to let evidence collect dust while criminals remained at large.  Improving the performance of the Crime Labs was the #1 thing the Attorney General could do to help fight crime in Wisconsin.

Van Hollen immediately set about a thorough analysis of the DNA backlog and established clear evidence that without some intervention the DOJ would be stuck in the backlog business - not the crime fighting business. Upon completion of this review and in consultation with legislators the DOJ requested one half of what the clear and convincing evidence called for.  The Legislature approved the hiring of 31 new analysts who are undergoing training.

Today, the backlog is shrinking - even before the new analysts have come on board.  Why?  The Attorney General accomplished this by working with local law enforcement and increasing efficiencies. When Van Hollen took office, the state crime labs completed work on under 100 DNA cases per month.  In 2008, the Crime Labs are averaging over 220 DNA cases completed per month – more than doubling their efficiency.

Attorney General Van Hollen's goal is to eliminate the backlong by 2010.  The Crime Labs are one of the most important roles the state has in fighting crime, removing offenders from the streets and exonarating the innocent.

Crime Lab quick facts under Attorney General Van Hollen:

• In 2007, the Crime Labs worked 1958 DNA cases - that's more than 800 additonal cases than 2006.
• The Crime Labs have developed a 70% improvement in efficiency since Van Hollen implemented the first stage of his plan - this is without the new analysts.
• In March, 2008, the Milwaukee Crime Lab worked over 150 cases.  When J.B. first came into office, the Milwaukee and Madison Labs worked just 100 cases per month combined.
• The Van Hollen plan calls for the Labs being in a position where all felony cases will be assigned to an analyst within 30 days - a stunning impovement.
• In 2007, the Milwaukee Crime Lab worked over 1000 cases - a 97% increase.