VIDEO: One City Looks To Bring In More Forensic Lab Technicians

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)-A consultant hired to review the Columbus Police Department gave an update on his evaluation during the Columbus Mayor and City Council meeting on Tuesday.

One area that Dr.K. B. Turner was impressed with was the City’s Crime Lab.

However, while he’s quick to praise them, Dr. Turner also knows how understaffed they are.

Currently, the lab only has two technicians. Turner recommended to the council that they at least double the staff.

He said this shortage is a very serious issue and needs to be addressed.

In the short run, Turner suggests hiring at least one full-time and one part-time technician.

“The fact of the matter is that, again, police officers work hand in hand with the crime lab, or I should say forensic scientists,” Dr. Turner explained. “Even if you had a large police department, they’re not going to be effective if you don’t have a supporting, if you will, crime lab. You need to have a crime lab staffed appropriately so they can also be effective when it comes to analyzing data, and to make sure that the evidence is carefully analyzed and presented in court.”

Turner advised the council to begin the search right away.