Washington State Patrol Toxicology Labs Manage Backlog of DUI Test Cases
- Reports
- 2
- Developments
- 1
- Repetition
- 50%
New informationRepeats or wire copies
What happened
The Washington State Patrol reported that its toxicology division is dealing with a significant backlog of alcohol and drug test evidence that could affect DUI prosecutions. The division has seen a 59% increase in forensic casework submissions since 2015, outpacing current staffing levels. To address this, the agency opened a second toxicology lab in Federal Way in 2023.
From chronline.com
Why it matters
The current backlog stands at around 14,000 cases, down from a peak of over 17,000 cases last August. The agency is on track to achieve its target of 90-day turnarounds by late 2028. Lawmakers also passed a bill allowing local governments to outsource toxicology tests if they cover the costs.
From chronline.com
Who's involved
- Washington State PatrolState police agency managing the toxicology division.
- Brian CapronAssistant Toxicology Division Commander for the agency.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Okanogan CountySpeculative
Local governments might need to adjust their operational budgets to accommodate cost-shifting for testing services.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
-
Washington State Patrol
state police agency
Nothing else this week.
-
Washington
town in the City of Sunderland, in Tyne and Wear, England