Vic: Funding boost for Victorian forensic centre

AAP General News (Australia)
04-08-2004
Vic: Funding boost for Victorian forensic centre

MELBOURNE, April 8 AAP - An $8 million funding boost for Victoria's beleaguered forensic
centre will help alleviate a backlog of cases, acting chief commissioner Peter Nancarrow
said today.

Premier Steve Bracks today announced that the government would spend $8 million over
four years to reduce the backlog at the site in the analysis of DNA samples.

The funding would provide for 23 new staff at the centre, Mr Bracks said.

The announcement has been welcomed by Mr Nancarrow who said the funding would help
alleviate a growing backlog of cases.

"We believe the 23 additional resources will allow us to capture the backlog of DNA
analysis and also provide for the future demand of DNA analysis," he said.

"The backlog has had a varying impact on cases that were delayed; it's also had an
impact on the demands of staff."

It takes up to 12 months to complete a DNA sample for various crimes, Mr Nancarrow said.

Forensic centre assistant director John Scheffer said the centre would benefit from
the 23 additional staff members.

He said the site currently employs 35 people.

"This will make a huge difference to the amount of work we can do," he said.

The backlog at the centre has been blamed for delays in court cases.

In February, the trial of alleged Melbourne drug lord Antonis Mokbel was delayed because
of the forensic backlog, inadequate police resources and industrial action.

Police Association Victorian secretary Senior Sergeant Paul Mullett today welcomed
the funding announcement.

AAP kh/gfr/dl/jlw

KEYWORD: FORENSIC

2004 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.