Analysis of Stress Backlogs during Case-File Processing in Forensic Science Laboratory

Abstract

Case-file backlogs were identified as one of the cause factors affecting the competitiveness of the forensic science laboratory (FSL). Backlogs represent case-files that remain unprocessed or unreported within a selected time interval (year, week or month) which leads to increased customer complaints, rework, cost of analysis, degradation of biological samples, etc. Case-file backlogging was quantified in three consecutive years (2014 to 2016), using the following parameters: case-files received and case-files processed, difference of which gives case-files backlogged. There was a need to define time interval for a case-file to be regarded as backlogged (that is, one week), results of which can translate into backlogged case-files per month or year. A data collection tool was established and used for three work stations (forensic chemistry, biology/DNA and toxicology laboratories). The tool includes starting and ending date for each time interval, in which the numbers of case-files received and processed were entered followed by computing the backlogs. It was observed that, case-files reported increased between 2014 and 2016 leading to a decrease in backlogged case-files. The annual percentage of the case-files backlogged was highest for forensic toxicology. The highest number of case-files backlogged was observed for forensic chemistry, followed by forensic biology/DNA. The number of case-files backlogged per analyst per year was highest in 2014 and dropped continuously towards 2016, being comparably higher in forensic biology/DNA and chemistry. Probability density functions (PDFs) and cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) of backlogs data indicated that a large number of backlogs created in previous weeks were eliminated. It was concluded that the effect of case-file backlogging on FSL competitiveness can be minimized by continued management effort in backlog elimination.

Development of a Competitiveness Improvement Framework for Forensic Science Laboratories

“…Analyze implies quantification of the current status, followed by analysis and presentation of the data collected. In this study, data collected on TAT, A b , B g , A d , L c , and T sc were analyzed and presented in understandable format, [5] [14] [25] [44] showing the criticality of current situation and action required. At this point, it is important to establish a need to redesign or re-model the existing conceptual model of the FSL system or there is a specific cause factor that has to be corrected.…”

“…Turnaround time analysis was accomplished by identifying action points to be assessed [9] [38] [39], followed by detailed data collection. Moreover, the backlogged case-files, N cb , were also repeatedly captured at different action points by determining the number of case-files received and reported [5].…”

“…For the purpose of CIF development, detailed review and conceptualization of laboratory processes were done using conceptual frameworks [5] [14] [25]. Given that a process is a series of connected steps or actions with a beginning and an [14].…”

“…Backlogs represent case-files that remain unprocessed or unreported within a selected time interval (year, week or month) which leads to increased customer complaints, rework, cost of analysis, degradation of biological samples, etc. Case-file backlogging was quantified in three consecutive years (Y2014 to Y2016) to study variations as case files are processed [2] [3] [4] [5]. Data were collected for the case-files received and case-files processed, difference of which gives case-files backlogged.…”

A feasibility study of direct analysis in real time-mass spectrometry for screening organic gunshot residues from various substrates

“…Still, complementary screening tools can add information to assist with triage in the laboratory and other monitoring sites. 8,9 As it stands, GSR analysis is one of the few areas in forensics and homeland security that does not incorporate instrumentcentric screening tools in protocols due to the challenging nature of the samples. 10 Rapid analysis time and little to no sample preparation/consumption are important aspects to consider for screening methods.…”