Long delays in DNA evidence testing are worrying Crown Research Institutes Minister Pete Hodgson.
He is investigating reports that Institute of Environmental Science and Research backlogs are causing problems for police.
"I spoke at length with [ESR] staff on Friday, basically saying, 'What the hell's going on?' and put some questions to them to which they have responded.
"The essence of it is that the biological forensic work, that is to say DNA forensic work, has increased by about 50 per cent over the last six months," said Mr Hodgson.
Problems came to light during the Joanne McCarthy murder probe.
Mr Hodgson said the ESR was taking steps to tackle its workload.
- NZPA
DNA delays irk minister
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.