Fingerprint Analysis in LAPD Backlogged, Delaying Cases

The number of cases with unanalyzed fingerprint evidence has more than doubled in the last two years, hampering efforts to solve thousands of burglaries, thefts and other property crimes, LAPD officials say.

The backlog has worsened despite a Los Angeles Police Department campaign to process fingerprints more effectively, including having officers rather than analysts collect fingerprints at some crime scenes, the Los Angeles Times reported.

In 2012, the backlog was about 2,200 cases; today, there are 5,455, according to The Times.

LAPD Deputy Chief Kirk Albanese told the civilian-led Police Commission Tuesday that the delay was so severe that some fingerprints were now useless because the three-year deadline for prosecuting offenders had passed.

“There are cases that we don’t get to that would generate a suspect identification,” Albanese said.

Los Angeles police Chief Charlie Beck described the backlog as “very problematic” and attributed the delays to a staffing shortage within the LAPD’s Latent Print Unit, The Times reported. He said city officials were “very aware” of the department’s request to hire more analysts.

The problem is likely to persist in the coming months because the current staffing level makes it nearly impossible to chip away at the backlog, Albanese said. The unit now has 60 employees, 36 fewer than full capacity. The last hire was in January 2009, Albanese said, according to The Times.

--City News Service

PHOTO Patch file photo.