Statement Regarding the Non-submittal of DNA Samples to the Wisconsin Crime Lab

STATEMENT BY WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR GARY HAMBLIN
REGARDING THE NON-SUBMITTAL OF DNA SAMPLES TO THE WISCONSIN CRIME LABORATORY

MADISON - I am troubled by reports that erroneously describe the estimated 12,000 DNA samples not sent to the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory as "missing" yesterday I provided an estimate of samples that were never submitted and do not exist at the State Crime Lab.

In the interest of accuracy and complete information I would suggest an important distinction exists between a missing item and one which never existed.

Clearly, as I have preliminarily estimated and reported to the Attorney General yesterday, at least 12,000 DNA samples were never submitted to the State Crime Lab by agencies responsible for the collection of these samples.

Samples not in the database are those yet to be collected by agencies charged with collection and submission. Samples at the Crime Lab are not lost, misplaced or otherwise "missing."

End of Statement