FDL’s Budget and Staffing Were Somewhat Higher in Fiscal Year 2001 than Fiscal Year 1999 and Will Increase Substantially in the Future

FDL’s budget was about $4.1 million in fiscal year 2001, about 15 percent higher than in fiscal year 1999 (see table 1). In fiscal year 2001, FDL’s total staff level was 35 full-time equivalent staff, up from FDL’s fiscal year 1999 level of 31 full-time equivalent staff. In contrast, the number of forensic cases pending at the beginning of each year increased between 1999 and 2001. According to FDL officials, staff shortages have made it difficult for FDL to stay current with its workload and produce timely responses to requests for forensic document examination.
What GAO Found

With nearly 200 countries using unique passports, official stamps, seals, and visas, the potential for immigration document fraud is great. The Immigration and Naturalization Service's Forensic Document Laboratory is the only federal laboratory dedicated to fraud detection. The Laboratory's budget was $4.1 million in fiscal year 2001, 15 percent higher than in fiscal year 1999. The Laboratory had 35 full-time equivalent staff, three more than in fiscal year 1999. Although the Laboratory's total forensic caseload declined from fiscal years 1999 to 2001, the number of forensic cases pending at the beginning of each year increased. According to laboratory officials, staff shortages have affected the Laboratory's ability to process cases promptly.