Criminal Technology at the Yakima Police Department
Shortly after joining the Yakima Police Department, Chief Sam Granato recognized the need for an updated and expanded Criminal Technology department.

The problem is the need to outsource forensic evidence processing. There are very few sources for this service and those that do exist like the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab are incredibly busy with processing times running into months. This problem is magnified by the fact that criminal evidence handling is prioritized by the severity of the crime. Consequently assaults and other serious crimes in our area are put behind homicides and major crimes from all over the State.

The resultant problems occur both in solving crimes and also prosecuting them. Sometimes technical evidence is essential in solving a crime and making an arrest. If forensic evidence can’t be brought to court in a timely manner, valid criminal cases are lost or dismissed. Defense attorneys are aware of this situation and use it their advantage.

Recognizing these issues, Chief Granato and the Yakima Police Department has been working toward the development of a first rate state of the art Criminal Technology department that can process an increasing amount of forensic evidence right here in Yakima.

The department currently has two professional evidence technicians and the basic equipment to begin moving these services in house.

Watch this page for updates as time goes on.