Dr. Kirsty Wright’s recently released report, commissioned by the Government of Queensland, exploded serious issues at Forensic Sciences Queensland (FSQ). Victims of violent crimes are waiting months and months for essential DNA test results to be completed. Furthermore, the report finds that people waited more than a year on average for these critical outcomes. At the same time, the lab is reeling from an enormous backlog of work and the ongoing respectful exodus of staff.
Dr. Bruce Budowle’s 2019 National Academy of Sciences report elaborated on this tragic legacy, calling the FSQ in a time of “sustained crisis.” While this is, of course, a positive finding, the big picture is more alarming. Known as a “dirty lab,” even this specialty lab has been unable to keep up with growing, complex demands. Currently, over 13,000 backlogged DNA samples are awaiting retesting. This backlog is leading to significant delays that could jeopardize critical active police investigations.
Staffing Shortages and Backlogs
The ongoing staffing crisis at FSQ is worse than any horror movie, with reports showing an understaffing 80 full-time employees. The personnel drought has heaped tremendous stress onto the staff that remains. Unfortunately, the workplace has become toxic as a result. Over the last two years, these quarterly meetings quickly became grounds for concern regarding FSQ’s operations. Additionally, management has turned a blind eye on these issues.
The work backlog has reached crisis proportions. It is the delays in processing DNA tests that are directly impacting every law enforcement agency in their ability to solve cases quickly. For Dr. Budowle, it’s critical that we face these challenges directly. He added that the leadership at FSQ has been operating in a “reactive, crisis management mode.”
“This is an extraordinary predicament for any organisation.” – Dr. Bruce Budowle
Recommendations for Overhaul
Dr. Wright and Dr. Budowle started making moves based on these very alarming discoveries. Their independent investigation led them to issue 32 sweeping recommendations to reform the way FSQ operates. Our recommendations directly inform Congress and the Administration on how to address staffing shortages, improve laboratory conditions, and ensure a culture exists that prioritizes accountability and efficiency.
Since then, the government has brought in former NSW police commissioner Mick Fuller to head up a specialist new team of experts. This team will completely rethink FSQ’s approach and implementation. The process is expected to take up to 5 years to fully realize as the lab phases in implementation of the required reforms.
Budowle focused on the need to completely renovate the laboratory space that exists. He cautioned that we shouldn’t do this at the expense of addressing other urgent priorities.
“Although the laboratory space needs to be renovated, it certainly did not need to be raised to a high priority at the expense of other much-needed demands.” – Dr. Bruce Budowle
Implications for Justice
The delays felt at FSQ are more than just bureaucratic red tape, they directly impact the judicial system’s ability to function. Current long wait times for DNA test results will lead to even more unnecessary time spent in the court system. This will compound the many, ongoing difficulties before victims of crime as they seek justice.
Attorney-General Deb Frecklington recently visited FSQ to assess the situation firsthand and to discuss the way forward with lab officials. Her visit underscores the federal government’s commitment to address this crisis. It further guarantees that victims will not have to wait long for justice, thanks to reliable forensic science.
