Backlog of unanalyzed DNA evidence grows

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- U.S. crime labs are being forced to neglect the more common forms of forensic data because of pressure to clear a growing backlog of unanalyzed DNA evidence.

Earl Wells with the American Society of Crime Lab Directors says DNA evidence, which deals with genetic markers in body products, accounts for about 5 percent of work at most crime labs, reports Stateline.org.

But he says state and federal lawmakers' attention remain focused on DNA backlogs because DNA "happens to be the hot topic today."

Because of this, Wells said, non-DNA evidence sits unexamined in most of the nation's estimated 350 publicly funded crime labs, says the Stateline report.

Legal experts told Stateline such backlogs result in keeping prisoners behind bars longer than needed. They also increase pressure on labs to speed up their work, thereby increasing chances of errors.