MADISON (WKOW) — New data from the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) shows the state's crime labs saw fewer overall cases last year, but crucial forensic work is taking longer to process.

The DOJ's division of forensic sciences received 8,965 total cases last year. That's 423 fewer cases than in 2023. Despite the decline, turnaround times have increased from 2023-2024, specifically for DNA and toxicology cases.

DNA cases accounted for one-third of all assignments in 2023. Crime labs saw 315 fewer cases than in 2023, but took 21 more days to complete the work.

In its most recent budget, the DOJ requested 19 additional positions, which included 10 DNA analysts, three additional substance analysts, two firearms and toolmaker examiners, one crime scene response specialist, one business

See Full Page