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SLED asks for staffing, IT and recurring authority to shrink lab backlogs; reintroduces criminal-history bill
Summary
SLED leaders told the Criminal Justice Budget Subcommittee they need recurring pay/rank changes, new forensic hires, IT upgrades and federal-spending authority to reduce a DNA and digital evidence backlog, and noted they will reintroduce a state bill to allow possession of criminal histories.
Members of the Criminal Justice Budget Subcommittee heard a budget presentation from the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) in which agency leaders requested recurring pay and staffing increases, expanded IT funding and federal spending authority to address forensic backlogs and operational needs.
SLED Director Jackie Swindler and Chief Keel credited recent General Assembly support for recruiting and retention improvements but urged more. "We're asking for $5,000,000 in federal funds authority," Chief Keel said, adding the authority would let SLED expend growing federal grants. Keel put SLED's top recurring priority as rank-change and step increases for agents and criminalists to retain experienced staff.
Why it matters: Keel said SLED has increased DNA casework capacity by hiring additional analysts — from eight…
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