As gun tests in criminal investigations surge, WA struggles to keep up

Washington State Patrol crime labs are facing a growing backlog in firearms testing, delaying trials and investigations across the state. The labs in Vancouver, Tacoma, Seattle, and Spokane receive more than 600 requests per year but complete only about 418, leaving nearly 1,000 pending. Chief John Batiste says new forensic scientists will help cut the backlog by 35% next year and 60% by 2027, with a goal of completing tests within 120 days by 2028. This report was first published by the Washington State Standard. https://clarkcountytoday.com/news/as-gun-tests-in-criminal-investigations-surge-wa-struggles-to-keep-up/ #WashingtonState #WashingtonStatePatrol #FirearmsBacklog #ForensicLabs #CriminalInvestigations #JohnBatiste #PublicSafety #ForensicScience #Spokane #Seattle