En Espanol
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
COLUMBIA — The State Law Enforcement Division says it has about 4,500 cases from across South Carolina waiting for lab analysis.
WSPA-TV in Spartanburg reported that the state police agency gets about 350 cases each month. But Maj. Todd Huey says the lab can process only about 200 cases each month.
SLED has lost 30 employees because of budget cuts over the past three years.
Chief Mark Keel says the lab gives priority to violent crimes so most of the backlog involves property crimes.
SLED’s budget has been cut from about $36 million in 2008 to less than $24 million this year.
Gov. Nikki Haley says she wants to make public safety a priority, even if it requires bigger cuts at other agencies.
Source: http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2011/aug/31/sled-says-it-has-backlog-4500-cases-sc/ If you, or someone you know, have any information regarding any crime, you are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers. You could earn a reward up to $1,000.Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 554-1111, toll free at 1-888-CRIME-SC, or online at www.5541111.com. Texters can send anonymous tips to CRIMES (274637), and mark the beginning of the message with "TIPCSL". Text STOP to 274637 to cancel. Text HELP to 274637 for help. Msg&Data Rates May Apply.