'We need additional hands': State crime labs, attorney general push for more positions

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Crime labs provide crucial evidence in cases around the state and to increase their work, Wisconsin's attorney general is pushing for a budget boost to hire more experts.

"Crime lab professionals help to solve complex crimes. That includes homicides, sexual assaults and illegal drug offenses," Attorney General Josh Kaul said.

The data collected at the Milwaukee, Wausau and Madison labs are being used increasingly in the criminal justice system.

"Now the expectation from a lot of jurors is that there is going to be scientific evidence that comes with cases," Kaul said.

Scientists spend hours doing diligent work, but they tell CBS 58 they cannot keep up.

"To continue to meet the demand while maintaining that rigorous level of quality that is expected of us, we need additional hands to get the work done," Wisconsin State Crime Laboratories Division Administrator Nicole Roehm said.

Kaul is pushing for the Crime Fighting Budget, which includes 16 additional positions in DNA, toxicology and crime scene response.

"It's our hope that given the historic surplus that we have in the state right now, this is a time we will see the legislature take this opportunity to make a significant investment in the crime labs," he said.

From the Waukesha Christmas parade tragedy to decades-old cold cases, these scientists are helping to serve justice around Wisconsin.