Overview
The Toxicology Laboratory Division (TLD) staff includes forensic scientists, property and evidence custodians, and professional office staff who provide the only accredited evidential toxicology services in the state. Law enforcement, medical examiners, coroners, and prosecuting attorneys rely upon the technical expertise of the TLD staff to fully investigate suspicious deaths, natural and accidental deaths, homicides, suicides, traffic fatalities, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs cases, suspected drug-facilitated assaults and any other forensic cases where alcohol and/or drugs may be involved.
Key Measurements and Statistics
Successes of 2020
In 2020, the TLD received a total of 15,754 cases.
The caseload did not change significantly from 2019.
TLD scientific staff provided expert witness testimony in over 42 cases statewide. This was a significant reduction due to COVID’s impact on court operations.
TLD responded in a timely and accurate fashion to 804 complex public disclosure requests.
The TLD successfully maintained accreditation from the:
- American Board of Forensic Toxicologists in the area of alcohol and drug testing in biological fluids
- ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB) in the area of alcohol and drug Testing (ISO 17025)
- The TLD received $5.4 million dollars from the Legislative supplemental budget session for additional staff, funds to outsource death investigation cases, and funding for a secondary facility to be located in Federal Way. This funding will support the reduction of the Toxicology backlog.
Additional Information and Resources
For more information on how the Toxicology Laboratory Division manages its case load, please click here.