NCJ Number
160966
Date Published
1993
Length
64 pages
Annotation
This report describes the purposes and activities of the Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement Program and the Crime Laboratory Enhancement Program in Washington State over a 4- year period starting in 1988.
Abstract
The Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement Program was designed to address the environmental and health problems of seizing and shutting down laboratories manufacturing illicit drugs. The Washington State Patrol (WSP) and the State Departments of Health and Ecology each have specific roles. WSP activities included training local agency personnel through basic and refresher courses and providing operational and technical assistance. During 59 months of Federal and State funding, the regional teams responded to 133 requests for assistance. Two chemicals used in the manufacture of methamphetamine were the most prevalent ones found. Some laboratories were also involved in manufacturing illegal explosives or multiple types of illicit drugs. The Crime Laboratory Enhancement aimed to enhance the WSP Crime Laboratory system by hiring and training additional forensic scientists and purchasing necessary equipment. During periods of funding, the program greatly reduced the backlog of cases waiting to be processed, shortened the turnaround time, and improved laboratory personnel morale and relationships with law enforcement agencies and prosecutors. Tables and appended background materials and newspaper articles