California crime labs clear up DNA backlog

Crime labs in California have caught up on their web of backlogged DNA cases.

The build-up had slowed DNA testing in the state and jeopardised criminal prosecutions, the California Department of Justice said.

Laboratories will now be able to perform routine analysis within 30 days, down from an average of 90 to 120 days.

Attorney general Kamala Harris said DNA testing was made a priority in 2011 because of the direct link between timely investigations and successful prosecutions.

She said crime scene evidence is too important to sit unanalysed for months while victims wait for justice.

"DNA testing is a powerful law enforcement resource - a smart on crime tool that we're using in cutting edge ways in California," Ms Harris said.

California's data bank contains DNA profiles for 1.8 million criminals and suspects in the state, as well as crime scene evidence. It is the largest working DNA data bank in the US.

Posted by Fiona Griffiths