The final budget bill granted Western North Carolina a new crime lab. It already had a satellite to help with testing drugs. But with the approved hiring of nineteen toxicologists for the new facility, it is expected the state will save money by not having to detain arrestees for 12-18 months. Without waiting so long, persons detained on false pretenses may even be able to get a job again. Eight-hour round trips to Raleigh will also be avoided. For a good run-down of expenses, visit here.
by Leslee Kulba
Wild West blogger