AG Josh Kaul and local leaders advocate for $2.7 million in funds for state crime labs

 

WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- Attorney General Josh Kaul is advocating for $2.7 million of the state budget to go towards staffing in the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratories, something he says is critical for public safety and the justice system. Tuesday, he hosted state legislators to give them a behind the scenes look.

"Any case that involves that important evidence cannot go forward, will not be resolved until the crime lab has had the chance to do its job," said Jason Sanders, the district attorney for Rock County.

Kaul was joined by state leaders within the criminal justice system asking lawmakers for more than $2 million in funding to hire 19 additional positions for Wisconsin State Crime Labs.

"Having those kinds of positions helps ensure that we are able to remain on the cutting edge in the analysis that we do, and that we have the resources to ensure the cases are tested effectively and efficiently," said Kaul.

In the last state budget, Kaul asked for 16 additional positions and only received three. The lack of staffing in the state's labs is something some district attorneys say is slowing down the judicial process.

"The homicide trial doesn’t start until two and a half years after the homicide happens," said Sanders. "We have victims sitting in district attorneys' offices, frustrated and honestly sometimes crying."

All 72 counties in Wisconsin rely heavily on the three crime labs across the state who examine forensic evidence, perform DNA testing, toxicology and more.

"Our cases from Milwaukee County inundate the lab with hundreds to thousands of pieces of evidence on a yearly basis, and they are relating to homicides, sexual assaults, shootings, armed robberies, other firearms offenses, drug cases," said Deputy District Attorney with Milwaukee County Megan Newport.

Ultimately, the decision to provide those funds comes down to the GOP-controlled Legislature.