HILLSBORO, MO (KMOX) - The Sheriff of Jefferson County says evidence isn't being processed fast enough at the state crime lab. Sheriff Dave Marshak says investigations are often halted due to the back log at the state's crime lab. He's seeking a crime lab dedicated to the county.
"Our challenges are that the Missouri State Highway Patrol lab serves communities, counties, and cities throughout the state of Missouri and therefore, unlike St. Charles County, St. Louis City, and St. Louis County, Jefferson County then competes against all of those other communities," explains Marshak.
The state lab takes evidence from 100 counties in Missouri. "As a result of their prioritization -- and this is not an indictment on the Missouri State Highway Patrol -- we're waiting sometimes more than a year for simple lab results and that's unacceptable."
Marshak says a new lab would be millions of dollars. He tells KMOX News he is working with the Jefferson County Council to use ARPA funds.
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