Performance Details

Department of Public Safety - Laboratory Services

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Mission

Provide scientific support to the criminal justice system to foster a safer Alaska.

Core Services

• Provide scientific testing, interpretation, report writing, testimony, and training to the criminal justice system.
• Analysis and entry into the national database of DNA samples from convicted felons and qualifying arrestees.

Mission Results

Core Services

A: Provide scientific support to the criminal justice system to help create a safer Alaska Details > TARGET #1: 90% of non-DNA requests for laboratory services with a turnaround time less than 30 days TARGET #2: Less than 5% of unworked requests for laboratory service are over 120 days old TARGET #3: 95% of sexual assault kits are processed in accordance with the turnaround time specified in AS 44.41.065

A1: Provide scientific testing, interpretation, report writing, testimony, and training to the criminal justice system. Details > A2: Analysis and entry into the national database of DNA samples from convicted felons and qualifying arrestees. Details > TARGET #1: 90% of samples processed in less than 91 days.

Performance Detail

Target #1: 90% of non-DNA requests for laboratory services with a turnaround time less than 30 days Methodology: Percentage of State Crime Laboratory non-DNA Service Requests Accomplished in Less than 30 Days Fiscal Year Requests under 30 days FY 2025 70% FY 2024 63% FY 2023 38% FY 2022 60% FY 2021 48% Analysis of results and challenges: In FY2025, 70 percent of non-DNA requests were completed within 30 days, an improvement from 63 percent in FY2024 but still below the 90 percent target. The Alaska Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory (ASCDL) continued to address processing delays by cross-training analysts, expanding quality review procedures, and implementing workflow adjustments through the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). These improvements have stabilized production despite ongoing vacancies and training demands in the Chemistry and Toxicology sections. Continued automation through LIMS upgrades in FY2026 is expected to further reduce turnaround times and sustain progress toward the target. Related links: Alaska State Crime Laboratory Target Last Modified: 10/21/2025

Target #2: Less than 5% of unworked requests for laboratory service are over 120 days old Percentage of State Crime Laboratory Service Unreleased Requests Over 120 Days Old Fiscal Year Percentage over 120 days Total # Requested FY 2025 34% 3437 -3.02% FY 2024 49% 3544 -3.85% FY 2023 4% 3686 -6.21% FY 2022 18% 3,930 +14.78% FY 2021 21% 3,424 +6.20% FY 2020 20% 3,224 +8.04% FY 2019 20% 2,984 -5.78% Analysis of results and challenges: In FY2025, 34 percent of laboratory requests remained open beyond 120 days, a reduction from 49 percent in FY2024 but still above the target of less than 5 percent. This improvement reflects the ASCDL`s focus on clearing backlogs and implementing new LIMS modules for case tracking and prioritization. Extended turnaround times were primarily associated with training new analysts in DNA processing and implementing software updates to accommodate the CJIS modernization interface. As new staff gain proficiency and automation tools become fully operational, the proportion of delayed requests is expected to decline further in FY2026. Unreleased requests include all casework in progress that is not yet complete. Related links: Alaska State Crime Laboratory Target Last Modified: 12/08/2025

Target #3: 95% of sexual assault kits are processed in accordance with the turnaround time specified in AS 44.41.065 Methodology: This is a new target that was proposed in November of 2021. The statute in FY2022 and FY2023 was for processing sexual assault kits within one year. In FY2024 the statute was amended to sexual assault kits are processed within 6 months during the first session of the 33rd Legislature. Percentage of Sexual Assault Kits Processed Year SA Kits Processed Target 2025 63% 95% 2024 99.1% 95% 2023 100% 95% 2022 100% 95% Analysis of results and challenges: In FY2025, 63 percent of sexual assault kits were processed within the statutory 180-day timeframe, below the 95 percent target. The ASCDL averaged 139 days per kit, remaining compliant with Alaska`s statutory requirement and consistent with national standards. Processing timelines were affected by DNA analyst training and implementation of new LIMS modules to enhance evidence tracking and reporting. As new analysts complete training and workflow automation expands, turnaround times are expected to continue improving in FY2026, ensuring timely evidence processing and support for investigative and prosecutorial efforts statewide. Target Last Modified: 10/21/2025

Target #1: 90% of samples processed in less than 91 days. Percent of Samples Processed in Less Than 91 Days Fiscal Year Percent FY 2025 96% FY 2024 99.9% FY 2023 100% FY 2022 100% FY 2021 97% FY 2020 88% Analysis of results and challenges: In FY2025, 96 percent of DNA database samples were processed within 91 days, exceeding the 90 percent target. Timely DNA database processing enables law enforcement to generate investigative leads and support case resolution through the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). The ASCDL maintained stable throughput despite increased sample volume associated with the backlog reduction project. Continued modernization of laboratory infrastructure and quality assurance systems will ensure consistent turnaround times and reliable database performance in FY2026. Related links: Alaska State Crime Laboratory Target Last Modified: 10/21/2025

Last refreshed: 01/16/2026 05:00 pm