36/1/4/1/201000238
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO 2582
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 13 SEPTEMBER 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 28- 2010)
Date reply submitted: 12 October 2010
2582. Mrs D Kohler-Barnard (DA) to ask the Minister of Police:
(1) (a) What (i) are the backlogs in the Forensic Science Laboratories (FSL), for all categories of samples in each of the months in the 2009-10 financial year, (ii) is the average processing time for samples in each category listed and (iii) are the reasons for the delay in processing of samples and (b) how many samples have been lost in the 2009-10 financial year;
(2) whether he has taken any action to eradicate the current backlogs in the processing of samples at the FSL; if not, why not; if so, what action?
NW3225E
REPLY:
(1) (a)(i) The total number of entries [which includes both the entries carried over from the previous financial year as well as newly received entries] on hand per section, during the 2009/2010 financial year is as follow:
|
MONTH |
Ballistics |
Biology |
Chemistry |
Questioned Documents |
Scientific Analysis |
|
April 2009 |
11 950 |
24 755 |
17 169 |
2 383 |
701 |
|
May 2009 |
16 576 |
24 391 |
19 146 |
2 319 |
728 |
|
June 2009 |
21 608 |
24 253 |
19 252 |
2 717 |
691 |
|
July 2009 |
23 904 |
25 122 |
18 708 |
2 914 |
695 |
|
Aug 2009 |
24 597 |
25 583 |
19 149 |
1 427 |
683 |
|
Sept 2009 |
25 792 |
25 547 |
19 934 |
1 416 |
637 |
|
Oct 2009 |
25 468 |
25 233 |
21 259 |
1 689 |
585 |
|
Nov 2009 |
18 608 |
23 479 |
19 960 |
1 763 |
598 |
|
Dec 2009 |
14 937 |
23 297 |
19 888 |
2 558 |
711 |
|
Jan 2010 |
10 738 |
22 755 |
20 938 |
1 767 |
749 |
|
Feb 2010 |
7 685 |
19 555 |
20 682 |
1 668 |
646 |
|
March 2010 |
7 230 |
16 598 |
21 251 |
1 880 |
701 |
The total entries on hand decreased with 19,25% between the 1st of April 2009 and the 31st of March 2010. The backlog in Ballistics decreased by 39%, in the Biology section there was a 33% decrease and 21% in Questioned Documents. The only environment to have recorded an increase in 2009/2010 is the Chemistry Section, with a 24% increase in total entries on hand.
(ii) The average processing time for samples in each category is depicted in the table below:
|
Section |
Average Processing Time [Days] |
|
Ballistics |
38 |
|
Biology |
103 |
|
Chemistry |
204 |
|
Questioned Documents |
41 |
|
Scientific Analysis |
58 |
The average processing time is calculated by dividing the total number of entries finalized by the total number of days from the date of receipt until the finalization date. The average processing times reflected in the table above are inflated due to the increased focus on the finalization of backlogs and should not be seen as standard processing times.
(iii) As the Ministry, through the Secretariat, we have been working with International experts who are assisting us with identifying what are the causes of the backlogs and steps that need to be taken to resolving the backlogs.
(b) During 2009/2010, three (3) exhibits were reported missing, which calculates to 0,005% of the average number of exhibits on hand per month during the same period. This is a 50% decrease in comparison to the 2008/2009 financial year.
(2) Yes, processes were embarked upon to eradicate backlogs and increase turn-around times for the analysis of exhibits, such as the capacitating of the environment in respect of human resources, skills [through employee development], upgrading of equipment and the enhancement of analysis processes.
Backlogs at the Forensic Science Laboratory are deemed priority and increased efforts are being be embarked upon to ensure the eradication thereof. Part of this involves working through the Secretariat with International experts in assist the department developing more effective system, process and plan to eradicate backlogs.
Reply to question 2582 approved by Minister
Issued by Parliament, October 13 2010
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