The Washington State Patrol (WSP) has a growing backlog of firearms forensics cases.
Over the past four years, WSP has received an average of 628 requests for firearms testing each year, according to a press memo from the agency dated Aug. 5. The average completion rate over that time period has been 418 requests per year.
As of July 1, 2025, the backlog of firearms cases was 955 requests. The current wait time for such cases is 379 days.
With the projected demand for services continuing to rise, WSP says it must increase its capacity to accommodate the demand while also addressing the backlogged cases.
“The bottom line is that the number of cases where firearms play a part in criminal activity has grown, and we must restructure and grow our forensics capacity,” WSP Chief John R. Batiste said in the memo. “Accordingly, I have ordered the hiring of additional scientists in hopes of doubling our testing capacity, reducing the backlog, and keeping abreast with the rising needs.”
WSP’s Crime Laboratory Division (CLD) provides forensic science services for all criminal justice partner agencies within the state of Washington. According to the memo, four of the agency’s six labs offer firearm forensics services where scientists examine both firearms and ammunition components in criminal investigations.
“Preparing a new firearms scientist takes a minimum of two years of highly specialized training to meet the high standards necessary for successful criminal investigations,” Batiste said. “So, this is a process, not an event. But we are getting closer to meeting our needs every day.”
Over the past two years, CLD has added eight new forensic firearm scientists through its restructuring efforts. Once training is complete, the new forensic scientists will gain experience with more complex casework, effectively doubling the unit’s capacity in one year.
“Even though they come to us with incredible skills and scientific preparation when hired, training so many new scientists in such a highly specific discipline all at once has its challenges,” said Division Commander Gene Lawrence. “While CLD of course continues to prioritize officer-involved cases, court, and other rush requests, the restructuring and growth meant pulling resources away from some casework which could actually add short-term to the backlog. But the short-term cost of reduced casework capacity to enable training will result in rapid capacity growth as trainees complete their training and become full contributors to the process.”
Assuming current trends and conditions are maintained, Lawrence estimates that the backlog should peak at around 1,054 this summer, but expects to see a 10% reduction by January 2026.
“Once all the new scientists are full contributors, overall testing capacity will be at least double current rates and should then exceed current demand, allowing for a steady decline of the backlog,” Lawrence said. “We expect to reduce the backlog by 35% by July 2026 and reach the 60% backlog reduction benchmark by January 2027. Our eventual objective is to be able to turn firearms cases around in 120 days or less consistently, and we are hopeful to reach that goal by January of 2028.”
Batiste concluded, “In this, and all criminal investigative matters, the needs continue to grow, and so our capacity must continue to increase as well. I appreciate the fine work of our Crime Lab Division in an ever-more demanding work environment.”
