Forensic Science Division

Support Bureau
Goal Accomplishments
Sep-19 		Accomplishments
Oct-19 		Accomplishments
Nov-19 		Division / Unit / Section Responsible Party - Lead Funding Status
AB1-SB Increase staffing to two additional Chemists, one additional Forensic Scientist/Biology, one Forensic Scientist/DNA, one Biology Technician/Admin, one Firearm Technician, and one Forensic Scientist Firearm and Toolmark position to provide timely delivery of results and maintain manageable backlogs.

Implementation expected FY22. Awaiting funding.

Implementation expected FY22. Awaiting funding.

Implementation expected FY22. Awaiting funding.
  • Forensic Science Division (AB)
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  • Investigative & Support Command Deputy Chief
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  • Funding Needed
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    AB2-SB Provide training and development of employees annually to become eligible for and to maintain licensure.

    We had 34 different entries in the Laboratory’s Professional Development Log for the month of September. 

    We had 18 different entries in the Laboratory’s Professional Development Log for the month of October.

    We had 12 different entries in the Laboratory’s Professional Development Log for the month of November.
  • Forensic Science Division (AB)
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  • Forensic Lab Manager
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  • Funding Needed
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    AB3-SB Acquire new and replacement equipment, technology and software annually in order to become more efficient and to stay on the cutting edge of forensic science.

    The Crime Laboratory is just completing the validation process on a GC-FID-MS & GC-FID. Our new equipment and SOPs should be reviewed by ANAB in an offsite assessment prior to the end of the year. Once we have received ANAB approval we will be able to conduct BAC testing again. We should have City Council approval for funding at the end of this month or the beginning of the next month that will allow us to purchase a LCMS instrument. This new instrument will permit us to conduct THC quantification testing.

    The Crime Laboratory is just completing the validation process on a GC-FID-MS & GC-FID. Our new equipment and SOPs should be reviewed by ANAB in an offsite assessment prior to the end of the year. Once we have received ANAB approval we will be able to conduct BAC testing again. We should have City Council approval for funding at the end of this month or the beginning of the next month that will allow us to purchase a LCMS instrument. This new instrument will permit us to conduct THC quantification testing.

    ANAB’s Assessment of our BAC program was completed in November.  ANAB Auditors approved our BAC SOPs and GC-FID and GC-FID-MS instrumentation.   An external BAC proficiency test was taken and passed by Teree Warren.  Four additional analysts completed and passed an internal BAC proficiency test.  Two additional analysts still need to take an internal BAC proficiency test.  ANAB anticipates making a decision regarding adding BAC Analysis to our Scope Accreditation by the November 29, 2019.  This means that we should be conducting BAC Analysis by December 2019.                                                                                            NEEDS ASSESSEMENT:                                                                                                                         One Microdiluter was requested for BAC analysis, and was rated as a HIGH priority by the Budget Committee, but no funding was allocated.  We are still waiting on funding for a LCMS instrument and Nitrogen generator for THC quantification. 
  • Forensic Science Division (AB)
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  • Investigative & Support Command Deputy Chief
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  • Funding Needed
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    AB4-SB Develop and submit a plan to use new personnel, equipment, and technology to expand the scope of services provided by the Crime Lab.

    The Crime Laboratory has grant funding that will allow us to begin the process of validating Y-screening for sexual assault kit examinations.  We also have grant funding to validate STRMIX (probabilistic genotyping); however, because of new software updates that will be necessary for this project, and while awaiting additional guidance from the Texas Forensic Science Commission regarding STRMIX (probabilistic genotyping), the project was pushed back to the end of 2019 calendar year.  In order to move forward with the STRMIX project, the Laboratory first needs to obtain Qiacubes.  We have grant funding for Qiacubes; however, the purchasing process has been delayed for several months because of contractual concerns from the City’s Legal Department.         

    The Crime Laboratory has grant funding that will allow us to begin the process of validating Y-screening for sexual assault kit examinations.  We also have grant funding to validate STRMIX (probabilistic genotyping); however, because of new software updates that will be necessary for this project, and while awaiting additional guidance from the Texas Forensic Science Commission regarding STRMIX (probabilistic genotyping), the project was pushed back to the end of 2019 calendar year.  In order to move forward with the STRMIX project, the Laboratory first needs to obtain Qiacubes.  We have grant funding for Qiacubes; however, the purchasing process has been delayed for several months because of contractual concerns from the City’s Legal Department.  The Crime Laboratory was awarded $55,000.00 in grant funding to validate the Qiacubes; however, we have not physically received the Qiacubes, the contract for validation services has not been finalized, and the grant project period closes on December 31, 2019.  The vendor originally stated that they needed a contract in place by August 2019 in order to meet the grant closure date.  It appears that we may have lost $55,000.00 in grant funding due to a slow procurement and legal review process.

    The Crime Laboratory has grant funding that will allow us to begin the process of validating Y-screening for sexual assault kit examinations.  The Crime Laboratory received three QiaCubes on November 22, 2019.  On November 25, 2019, a factory representative responded to the Crime Laboratory to set up the QiaCubes.  The Crime Laboratory was awarded $55,000.00 in grant funding to validate the QiaCubes.  The contract for validation services has not been finalized, and the grant project period closes on December 31, 2019.  The vendor originally stated that they needed a contract in place by August 2019 in order to meet the grant closure date.  It appears that we may have lost $55,000.00 in grant funding due to a slow procurement and legal review process.  With that said, we do not want to lose the grant funding, and there is a ninety-day closure period for the grant, so we are still trying to schedule the QiaCube validation We also have grant funding to validate STRMIX (probabilistic genotyping); however, because of new software updates that will be necessary for this project, and while awaiting additional guidance from the Texas Forensic Science Commission regarding STRMIX (probabilistic genotyping), this project is on hold.
  • Forensic Science Division (AB)
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  • Forensic Lab Manager
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  • Funding Needed
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    AB5-SB Explore a possible revenue stream by marketing and providing laboratory services to smaller agencies.

    Texas SB1325 took effect when it was signed by Governor Abbott on June 10, 2019, and legalizes hemp in the State of Texas.  Marijuana and hemp are both Cannabis sativa L plants containing Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.  The difference between the two is the quantity of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol present.  The Crime Laboratory needs new equipment in order to be able to quantify THC in evidentiary items.  The Laboratory has been advised that seized asset forfeiture funds should be available on October 15 to purchase a LCMS with diode-array detection (DAD).  If funding becomes available, the Crime Laboratory may be able to physically have a new instrument by the beginning of 2020, and this would permit us to bring THC quantification testing online by approximately the summer of 2020.  If the Chemistry Unit gets a new LCMS DAD and an additional chemist, the Crime Laboratory could begin to insource THC quantification cases.

    Texas SB1325 took effect when it was signed by Governor Abbott on June 10, 2019, and legalizes hemp in the State of Texas.  Marijuana and hemp are both Cannabis sativa L plants containing Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.  The difference between the two is the quantity of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol present.  The Crime Laboratory needs new equipment in order to be able to quantify THC in evidentiary items.  The Laboratory has been advised that seized asset forfeiture funds should be available in the beginning of November to purchase a LCMS with diode-array detection (DAD).  If funding becomes available, the Crime Laboratory may be able to physically have a new instrument by the beginning of 2020, and this would permit us to bring THC quantification testing online by approximately the end of the summer of 2020.  If the Chemistry Unit gets a new LCMS DAD and an additional chemist, the Crime Laboratory could begin to insource THC quantification cases.

    Texas SB1325 took effect when it was signed by Governor Abbott on June 10, 2019, and legalizes hemp in the State of Texas.  Marijuana and hemp are both Cannabis sativa L plants containing Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.  The difference between the two is the quantity of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol present.  The Crime Laboratory needs new equipment in order to be able to quantify THC in evidentiary items.  The Laboratory has been advised that seized asset forfeiture funds should be available in the beginning of November to purchase a LCMS with diode-array detection (DAD).  If funding becomes available, the Crime Laboratory may be able to physically have a new instrument by the beginning of 2020, and this would permit us to bring THC quantification testing online by approximately the end of the summer of 2020.  If the Chemistry Unit gets a new LCMS DAD and an additional chemist, the Crime Laboratory could begin to insource THC quantification cases.
  • Forensic Science Division (AB)
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  • Forensic Lab Manager
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  • Funding Needed
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    AC1-SB Reduce turnaround time for routine cases to 30 days and rush cases to a maximum of two weeks.

    Aug 28 to Sept 23, 2019:

    71 cases currently in queue'

    173 CS cases completed and reported

    0 BAC cases completed (all BAC outsourced due to instrument broken)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

    29 Rush cases requested

    27 Rush cases completed within 14 days

    93.10% Rush cases completed <14 days

    100% total cases completed <30 days

    Average days to complete case: 6.2days                 

    September 30 to October 28, 2019:

    23 cases currently in queue 

    217 CS cases completed and reported

    0 BAC cases completed (all BAC outsourced due to instrument broken)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

    26 Rush cases requested 24 Rush cases completed within 14 days

    92.3% Rush cases completed <14 days

    95.4% total cases completed <30 days Average days to complete case: 11.8 days                 

    October 28-Novvember 21, 2019:

         21 cases currently in queue

         111 CS cases completed and reported

          0 BAC cases completed (all BAC cases are currently  outsourced)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               1 Rush cases requested

          1 Rush cases completed within 14 days

              100% Rush cases completed <14 days

    97.3% total cases completed <30 days

              Average days to complete case: 5.2days                 

  • Chemistry Unit (AC)
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  • Forensic Lab Manager
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  • No Funding Needed
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    AC2-SB Chemists will receive the required training and development licensure.

    Six analysts have attended Agilent Technologies Mass Hunter and Quantitation Class.  Six of the Unit’s seven analysts have already completed the FEMA ISO100, 200, 700, and 800 training; the remaining analyst will complete before required due date.

    Six analysts completed Defensive Driving - FLEET 101 on-line; 1 pending. One analyst completed FEMA ISO100, 200,700, 800. One analyst attended Society for Forensic Toxicologist class. One analyst attended the Diversity and Inclusion Supervisor Summit on Oct 3, 2019.

    No Chemistry Unit personnel received training in the month of November.
  • Chemistry Unit (AC)
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  • Forensic Lab Manager
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  • Funding Needed
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    AC3-SB Acquire new and replacement instrumentation, technology and software as needed and in a timely manner.

    Validation of the new GC-FID and GC-FID-MS are complete, and in review.


    Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Uncertainty of Measurement (UM) have been completed for the GC-FID and GC-FID-MS and are in review.     SOP for GC-FID and GC-FID-MS are complete and in review.       

    Pending completion for BAC program: competency tests for BAC, CTS tests for BAC, and ANAB assessment of BAC program.

    Validation and SOPs for GC-FID-MS and GC-FID were approved and uploaded into Qualtrax.  The SOP’s still need to be reviewed by ANAB Assessor.   External Competency Test for BAC completed by Senior Forensic Scientist Teree Warren.  All other internal competency tests are due by the end of November.

    ANAB’s Assessment of our BAC program was completed in November.  ANAB Auditors approved our BAC SOPs and GC-FID and GC-FID-MS instrumentation.   An external BAC proficiency test was taken and passed by Teree Warren.  Four additional analysts completed and passed an internal BAC proficiency test.  Two additional analysts still need to take an internal BAC proficiency test.  ANAB anticipates making a decision regarding adding BAC Analysis to our Scope Accreditation by the November 29, 2019.  This means that we should be conducting BAC Analysis by December 2019.                                                                                            NEEDS ASSESSEMENT:                                                                                                                         One Microdiluter was requested for BAC analysis, and was rated as a HIGH priority by the Budget Committee, but no funding was allocated.  We are still waiting on funding for a LCMS instrument and Nitrogen generator for THC quantification. 
  • Chemistry Unit (AC)
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  • Forensic Lab Manager
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  • Funding Needed
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    AC4-SB Expand capacity in the Chemistry Unit to process bold alcohol testing as part of soliciting as many as 1,000 cases annually from local police departments.

    At our current staffing level, and with the difficulties that we have with our old BAC instrumentation, no insourcing of blood alcohol cases from external agencies will be feasible at this time. We have approved Needs Assessments for two additional chemists and one BAC analyst; however, no funds have been allocated.  If we insource cases without adding personnel, the Unit’s turnaround time would increase, which would be contrary to the Strategic Goal of reducing Unit turnaround time.

    At our current staffing level, and with the difficulties that we have with our old BAC instrumentation, no insourcing of blood alcohol cases from external agencies will be feasible at this time.  We have approved Needs Assessments for two additional chemists and one BAC analyst; however, no funds have been allocated.  If we insource cases without adding personnel, the Unit’s turnaround time would increase, which would be contrary to the Strategic Goal of reducing Unit turnaround time.

    At our current staffing level, and with the difficulties that we have with our old BAC instrumentation, no insourcing of blood alcohol cases from external agencies will be feasible at this time.  We have approved Needs Assessments for two additional chemists and one BAC analyst; however, no funds have been allocated.  If we insource cases without adding personnel, the Unit’s turnaround time would increase, which would be contrary to the Strategic Goal of reducing Unit turnaround time.
  • Chemistry Unit (AC)
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  • Forensic Lab Manager
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  • Funding Needed
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    AD1-SB Reduce turnaround time for routine cases to 30 days and rush cases to a maximum of two weeks.

    September 1 - September 27, 2019 10 Cases completed. 4 (40%) of the 10 cases had a turnaround time less than 90 days (average turnaround time is 225.6 days). *It should be noted that Firearm & Toolmark Unit is the last Unit in the Crime Laboratory to receive evidence when that evidence needs to go to multiple Units. 9 (90%) of 10 cases were completed in the Firearm Unit less than 90 days (The average time to complete a case once it gets into the Unit was 94 days) 2 CPI’s were completed. 100% of the 2 CPI’s were completed in less than 90 days (average turnaround time 26.5 days; average time in the unit 24.5). 190 entries into NIBIN and 25 Leads (13.15% hit rate)

    October 1 - October 29, 2019

    11 Cases completed. 5 (45%) had a turnaround time less than 90 days (average turnaround time was 253 days).

    *It should be noted that Firearm & Toolmark Unit is the last Unit in the Crime Laboratory to receive evidence when that evidence needs to go to multiple Units.  8 (72.7%) of 11 cases were completed in the Firearm Unit less than 90 days (The average time to complete a case once it gets into the Unit was 122.63 days)

    Zero CPIs completed.  There was one additional request on a CPI that had previously been worked.  This CPI request is currently in review; the work was completed in less than 90 days (turnaround time 80 days; time in the unit 2 days).

    There were 129 entries into NIBIN with 16 hits (12.4% hit rate). 

    November 1 - November 22, 2019 3 Cases completed.  3 (100%) had a turnaround time less than 90 days (average turnaround time is 70 days). *It should be noted that Firearm & Toolmark Unit is the last Unit in the Crime Laboratory to receive evidence when that evidence needs to go to multiple Units.  3 (100%) of 3 cases were completed in the Firearm Unit less than 90 days (The average time to complete a case once it gets into the Unit was 51 days) There was one CPI completed. The CPI had a 70 day turnaround time, and was in the Firearm Unit for 51 days. There were 125 entries into NIBIN with 14 hits (11.2% hit rate).
  • Firearms Unit (AD)
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  • Forensic Lab Manager
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  • Funding Needed
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    AD2-SB All Firearms examiners will receive required training and development to qualify for licensure.

    Senior Forensic Scientist Paul Slocum and Forensic Scientist Lorelei Peterson both attended CRASE and Stop the Bleed training.

    No one from the Firearms & Toolmark Unit participated in any training events in the month of October.   

    Firearm Technician Alan Clingan independently studied for the Texas Forensic Science Commission’s Firearm Technician Licensure Test.  On November 22, 2019 Mr. Clingan took and passed the test, and is now licensed as a Firearm Technician by the State of Texas.     
  • Firearms Unit (AD)
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  • Forensic Lab Manager
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  • Funding Needed
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    AD3-SB Submit a plan to increase the capacity of the Firearms Unit.

    On February 21, 2019, Police Chief Joel Fitzgerald approved the Crime Laboratory’s IOC on changes made to NIBIN protocols.  

    On February 21, 2019, Police Chief Joel Fitzgerald approved the Crime Laboratory’s IOC on changes made to NIBIN protocols.  

    On February 21, 2019, Police Chief Joel Fitzgerald approved the Crime Laboratory’s IOC on changes made to NIBIN protocols.  
  • Firearms Unit (AD)
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  • Forensic Lab Manager
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  • Funding Needed
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    AE1-SB Reduce turnaround time for routine cases to 30 days and rush cases to a maximum of two weeks.

    The average turnaround time for all cases completed during September was 19 days. There were no rush requests during this month.

    The average turnaround time for all cases completed during October was 19.5 days. There were no rush requests during this month.

    The average turnaround time for all cases completed during November was 16.7 days. All rush requests were completed on the day of the request.
  • Latent Print Unit (AE)
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  • Forensic Lab Manager
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  • No Funding Needed
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    AE2-SB All Latent Print examiners will receive required training and development to maintain certifications.

    Latent Print Examiner Heather Wigington completed ANAB Assessor refresher training, and is currently in her fall semester of her Bachelor's degree program. Latent Print Supervisor Smith completed the Agile Leader Course at the Fort Worth Training Academy, and is currently in her final semester of her MSFS degree program. Latent Print Technician Jamie Mueller completed "Brady Giglio" training.

    Latent Print Technician Jamie Mueller provided a lecture at the TCC Academy on latent print evidence.  Latent Print Examiner Pat Wertheim and Latent Print Supervisor Deborah Smith provided practical comparison training to other latent print examiners in the area.  Latent Print Supervisor Smith provided Quality Assurance training to other latent print examiners again.  Smith also attended Supervisor Summit training.

    Latent Print Technician Jamie Mueller attended the AFIX User Group Meeting.  Latent Print Supervisor Deborah Smith received instructor training on new training software, Mideo Training Works. Latent Print Examiner Heather Wigington and Latent Print Supervisor Deborah Smith are continuing in their degree programs.
  • Latent Print Unit (AE)
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  • Forensic Lab Manager
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  • Funding Needed
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    AE3-SB Submit a plan to expand the services of the Latent Print Unit.

    The Latent Print Unit is currently working on the LIMS report/logic generation, and is currently in the process of developing additional ideas to provide training opportunities to FWPD officers.

    The Latent Print Unit met with several police lieutenants to offer an extra superglue chamber and provide training on its use, in an effort to reduce the potential loss of latent print evidence on firearms.

    The Latent Print Unit is currently awaiting notification of when the extra superglue chamber will be picked up by gang/narcotics, as well as when training on its use can be scheduled.
  • Latent Print Unit (AE)
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  • Forensic Lab Manager
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  • Funding Needed
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    AF1-SB Reduce turnaround time for routine cases to under 3 months, for case assignment to report, and reduce the total turnaround time to under one year.

    As of 9-26-19:  Average total turnaround time for September 2019: 445 days. Case assignment to report average turnaround time: 292 days. The Biology Unit backlog as of 9-26-19 is 545 case records and less than 75 requests pending approval.     

    As of 10-29-19:  Average total turnaround time for October 2019: 479 days.  Case assignment to report average turnaround time: 283 days.  The Biology Unit backlog as of 10-29-19 is 555 case records and 65 requests pending approval.     

    As of 11-21-19:  Average total turnaround time for November 2019: 666 days.  Case assignment to report average turnaround time: 380 days.   The Biology Unit backlog as of 11-21-19 is 547 case records and 46 requests pending approval.     
  • Biology Unit (AF)
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  • Forensic Lab Manager
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  • No Funding Needed
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    AF2-SB Biologists will receive required training and development to qualify for licensure.

    Senior Forensic Scientist Uvonna Alexander, Forensic Scientist Amanda Rickerd, and Forensic Supervisor Cassie Johnson completed the City's 2019 Security Awareness Training. Senior Forensic Scientist Uvonna Alexander completed the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Event and Stop-the-Bleed training, as well as participated in a Brady Giglio webinar. Forensic Supervisor Cassie Johnson attended the 1st Annual Forensic Academy. Forensic Scientist Alisha Lagrini attended the International Symposium on Human Identification.  

    Forensic Supervisor Cassie Johnson completed a CODIS 9.0 webinar.  

    Forensic Scientist III Uvonna Alexander completed ANAB Assessor training and attended the 25th Annual CODIS Conference and SWGDAM meeting.  Forensic Supervisor Cassie Johnson attended the Technical Leader Summit, 25th Annual CODIS Conference, and the SWGDAM meeting.  Forensic Supervisor Cassie Johnson also completed web-based CODIS training.
  • Biology Unit (AF)
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  • Forensic Lab Manager
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  • Funding Needed
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    AF3-SB Validate Global filer DNA test kit with expanded Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) loci.

    Quantifier Trio and Global Filer are actively being used in casework.

    Quantifier Trio and Global Filer are actively being used in casework.

    Quantifier Trio and Global Filer are actively being used in casework.
  • Biology Unit (AF)
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  • Forensic Lab Manager
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  • No Funding Needed
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