February 25, 2026 – CBI – Lakewood, CO – The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today confirms the progress and findings from the Office of the State Auditor (OSA), which recognizes the agency’s substantial progress in addressing DNA testing backlogs and turnaround times. The audit, which was initiated to review CBI’s efforts in processing DNA evidence including sexual assault kits, provides a path forward that aligns with the CBI’s existing improvement plan.
The audit noted: “Overall, we found that CBI is following a reasonable plan to address its lengthy turnaround times for DNA testing, including the testing of sexual assault kits, and is making substantial progress towards reducing its case backlog and meeting its turnaround time goals.” (Audit Report, page 24).
The audit surveyed other forensic laboratories in Colorado and across the county and found they experience similar difficulties. CBI’s plan addresses the challenges labs nationwide face while maintaining scientific rigor and accreditation standards.
CBI’s immediate focus remains on processing sex assault kits and timely justice for victims. The CBI is leveraging this progress to accelerate its timelines. Due to focused efforts and strategic resource allocation, the Bureau is now targeting a 90-day turnaround time for Forensic
Medical Evidence (Sex Assault Evidence Kit) Tests by September 2026, seven months ahead of its initial April 2027 projection. Follow our progress at CBI’s “Eliminating the Backlog” dashboard.
“We are excited by the progress we have made, but we know we have a lot more work to do. We recognize the immense responsibility that remains. Our commitment is to eliminate the backlog and ensure timely justice for every victim,” said Armando Saldate, Director of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. “We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication of our scientists and staff that has put us on track to meet our 90-day turnaround goal for sexual assault kits well before our initial projection.”
Addressing All DNA Cases
The CBI’s September 2026 goal has always been focused on the priority sexual assault cases. The Bureau has now set an ambitious new goal and projects that it can reach a 90-day turnaround time for all DNA cases by the end of 2027.
This continued progress is underpinned by:
Significant Reduction in Turnaround Time:
The average time to complete DNA testing for sexual assault cases was reduced by 58 percent, from 450 days in June 2025 to 190 days in January 2026.
Staffing Commitment:
The CBI is on track to increase its number of fully trained DNA scientists. As of December 2025, there were 19 scientists, with plans to reach 31 scientists by the end of 2027.
Process Improvements:
The CBI is actively working on system and process improvements, including a recent upgrade to its Laboratory Information Management System, to address risks noted by the auditor such as staff training and IT system limitations.
The CBI has agreed to all eight of the OSA’s recommendations, which will further improve the timeliness of DNA testing, address risks, and improve information systems.
These recommendations align with the broader goals of the previously released Forward Resolutions report, and the CBI is working actively to implement them. The CBI remains dedicated to reducing the backlog of all 1,459 DNA cases and achieving a sustainable, timely turnaround for all evidence.
The link to the audit can be found here.