The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory has been known for years for an enormous backlog. Taking several months before beginning to analyze evidence. Over the last three years, that has changed.

The new director admits in his 19 years at the lab, he's seen drastic changes. Perhaps the most significant was money to hire more personnel.

(Kermit Channell, Director Arkansas State Crime Laboratory)"If it happens in Piggott or Texarkana we do the work here."

Every homicide within the states 75 counties comes here. Evidence from all over is analyzed inside these rooms. DNA, fibers, fire arms and everything in between.

(Channell) "On TV, one person is the jack of all trades, the expert at everything. Reality that doesn't happen."

In years past, the lab had 6 analysts just for physical evidence. Now that number has more than doubled and each department has grown.

In 2005 the filing fee was increased from $100 to $125. That extra $25 generates an additional $1.7 million. Allowing 22 new people to have jobs. And the numbers reflect.

(Channell) "We hover around 2500-3000 case backlog an that's the entire lab, that's historic." 

 

In January of 2005 the backlog was nearly 15,200--you can see those numbers have dropped. January of this year the backlog was right around 25 hundred.

(Channell) "I can remember when it was nothing to have a sexual assault kit sitting in the laboratory for six months before it was even examined. And we're not there anymore. And that's good for the state of Arkansas."

Now it can take anywhere from 30-40 days to turn cases. This laboratory is "full service" meaning very little if any evidence is sent away. Depending on the case, multiple analysts may work on one piece of evidence.

(Channell) "We want to make sure that when something leaves this laboratory we've done our due diligence in examining that evidence. And putting a product out there that will stand up in court.”

Kermit Channell has been with the State Crime Lab for nearly 20 years. He started in the Medical Examiners Office, eventually working his way through the lab to director. It's that background he hopes will help the lab advance.

(Channell) "One of the things I would really like the public to know is number one we have a good staff here. When I say good staff, it doesn't just mean they work hard. It means they care. And because they care about what they do I believe they do a better job."

Some would say this is a tough job--no doubt you see a lot--but for these employees it's more than a job--it's helping families and authorities bring justice.

(Channell) “They could do other things that would be more lucrative but I think they stay here because they see themselves as a public servant. They are doing a good service for the community.”

The Arkansas State Crime Lab is now accredited. Channell explains they also get federal cases, and have a good partnership with the FBI (web) .