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FBI backlog is over 3,200 forensic DNA cases

The agency is hiring 17 additional forensic examiners in hopes of speeding up legal proceedings

Assocaited Press

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department’s inspector general says the FBI laboratory has a backlog of more than 3,200 forensic DNA cases.

The IG says such backlogs can delay legal proceedings and prevent the timely capture of criminals.

The backlog has grown 130 percent in a single year to 276 cases for one type of DNA case; and has grown 40 percent to 757 cases for another type.

The FBI says it is bringing on board 17 additional forensic examiners. Hiring and training the new personnel could take significant time.

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