By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-908917.mp3
LANSING, MI –
A state Senate panel interviewed Governor Granholm's new appointment for director of the Michigan State Police.
AUDIO:
Lawmakers asked Colonel Eddie Washington Junior how much money the department would need to reduce a backlog of evidence waiting to be processed at crime labs. Washington says he doesn't know that answer, but that the department has to ask itself broader questions.
"How do we reduce our backlogs by not just throwing additional resources there, but by also communicating a message to our broader criminal justice system and saying here are the ways that everyone can help to reduce the backlogs,'" he says.
He says the State Police department has to focus on reducing and solving crimes more in the field.
Washington also says the department would have to consider all options if faced with further budget cuts, including trooper and staff lay-offs, and cutting positions and overtime pay.