Forensic Science Division

Support Bureau
Goals Accomplishments Division / Unit / Section Responsible Party - Lead Funding Status
Jul-20 Aug-20 Sep-20
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 15 different entries in the Laboratory’s Professional Development Log for the month of July. These training entries represent webinar presentations. The Laboratory had JAG Grant funding for training in Fiscal Year 2019, and was able to send a variety of Laboratory personnel to different quality training venues.  The Crime Laboratory has 29 positions allotted to it; we currently have 25 current employees and four vacancies.  Of Lab’s 25 current employees, 15 are licensed Forensic Analysts by the State of Texas, and 3 are Latent Print Examiners certified in Latent Print Examination by the International Association of Identification (IAI).  All 4 vacancies will need to be filled with licensed Forensic Analysts.  In order to maintain statutorily required Continuing Forensic Education (CFE) for Licensed Analysts, and required training for the Certified Latent Print Examiners, the Laboratory’s Training Budget must be increased.  The Lab's current training budget is inadequate. Currently the Laboratory’s total training budget is $9,300.00.  Based on the historical Cost per Credit Hour for training for Laboratory personnel, I have requested that the Budget/Finance Unit increase the Lab’s training budget by $29,622.40.   It should be noted that due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Crime Laboratory has had had several training events canceled or rescheduled.

    We had 103 different entries in the Laboratory’s Professional Development Log for the month of August. These training entries represent webinar presentations. The Laboratory had JAG Grant funding for training in Fiscal Year 2019, and was able to send a variety of Laboratory personnel to different quality training venues.  The Crime Laboratory has 29 positions allotted to it; we currently have 25 current employees and four vacancies.  Of Lab’s 25 current employees, 15 are licensed Forensic Analysts by the State of Texas, and 3 are Latent Print Examiners certified in Latent Print Examination by the International Association of Identification (IAI).  All 4 vacancies will need to be filled with licensed Forensic Analysts.  In order to maintain statutorily required Continuing Forensic Education (CFE) for Licensed Analysts, and required training for the Certified Latent Print Examiners, the Laboratory’s Training Budget must be increased.  The Lab's current training budget is inadequate. Currently the Laboratory’s total training budget is $9,300.00.  Based on the historical Cost per Credit Hour for training for Laboratory personnel, I have requested that the Budget/Finance Unit increase the Lab’s training budget by $29,622.40.   It should be noted that due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Crime Laboratory has had had several training events canceled or rescheduled.

    We had 100 different entries in the Laboratory’s Professional Development Log for the month of September. These training entries primarily represent webinar presentations. The Laboratory had JAG Grant funding for training in Fiscal Year 2019, and was able to send a variety of Laboratory personnel to different quality training venues.  The Crime Laboratory has 29 positions allotted to it; we currently have 25 current employees and four vacancies.  Of Lab’s 25 current employees, 15 are licensed Forensic Analysts by the State of Texas, and 3 are Latent Print Examiners certified in Latent Print Examination by the International Association of Identification (IAI).  All 4 vacancies will need to be filled with licensed Forensic Analysts.  In order to maintain statutorily required Continuing Forensic Education (CFE) for Licensed Analysts, and required training for the Certified Latent Print Examiners, the Laboratory’s Training Budget must be increased.  The Lab's current training budget is inadequate. Currently the Laboratory’s total training budget is $9,300.00.  Based on the historical Cost per Credit Hour for training for Laboratory personnel, I have requested that the Budget/Finance Unit increase the Lab’s training budget by $29,622.40.   It should be noted that due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Crime Laboratory has had had several training events canceled or rescheduled.
  • 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 in the process of purchasing a LCMS instrument that will permit us to conduct THC quantification testing.  On July 29, 2020 the Crime Laboratory was advised that the City Secretary had just signed the LCMS contract, and that the contract should be executed in the next several days.  The Crime Laboratory will have to pass an ANAB Assessment, and have quantification testing added to our Scope of Accreditation, prior to being able to conduct quantification casework.  The Crime Laboratory had hoped to order the LCMS in July; however, that did not occur.  We hope that the LCMS will be ordered in August 2020.   The Crime Laboratory has reviewed the Qiacube validation reports and it was determined that further evaluation was required.  Qiagen personnel respond to the Crime Laboratory multiple times in July to perform additional testing and repairs on the Qiacubes, and the EZ1 instrument.  Qiagen and Biology Unit personnel are currently reviewing the data to determine how to proceed with the Qiacube validation process. The Biology Unit will have to review the final validation report, process training samples and complete competency tests prior to the implementation of Qiacube processing in casework. The Crime Laboratory needs funding to purchase two new FTIR instruments.  The Lab’s current FTIRs are so old that the manufacturer has advised us that they will not provide service to those instruments after the 2020 calendar year.

    On August 26, 2020, the City issued a PO for the purchase of a new LCMS instrument that will permit the Crime Laboratory to conduct THC quantification testing.  The Crime Laboratory will have to pass an ANAB Assessment, and have quantification testing added to our Scope of Accreditation, prior to being able to conduct quantification casework.  The Crime Laboratory has reviewed the original Qiacube validation reports and it was determined that further evaluation was required.  Qiagen personnel respond to the Crime Laboratory multiple times in July to perform additional testing and to complete repairs on the Qiacubes, and the EZ1 instrument.  The Biology Unit reviewed the new validation report, and after discussions with Qiagen personnel everyone agrees that additional work is necessary. The Crime Laboratory’s two current FTIR instruments are so old that their manufacturer has advised us that they will not provide service to those instruments after the current calendar year.  On August 12, 2020 Assistant Police Director Christianne Kellett advised the Crime Laboratory that she had located funding to procure to new FTIR instruments.

    On August 26, 2020, the City issued a PO for the purchase of a new LCMS instrument that will permit the Crime Laboratory to conduct THC quantification testing.  The LCMS instrument was delivered to the Crime Laboratory in three different containers; the last container was received on Thursday, September 24, 2020.  The Crime Laboratory will have to pass an ANAB Assessment, and have quantification testing added to our Scope of Accreditation, prior to being able to conduct quantification casework.  The Crime Laboratory has reviewed the original Qiacube validation reports and it was determined that further evaluation was required.  Qiagen personnel respond to the Crime Laboratory multiple times in July to perform additional testing and to complete repairs on the Qiacubes, and the EZ1 instrument.  The Biology Unit reviewed the new validation report, and after discussions with Qiagen personnel everyone agrees that additional work is necessary. The Crime Laboratory’s two current FTIR instruments are so old that their manufacturer has advised us that they will not provide service to those instruments after the current calendar year.  On August 12, 2020 Assistant Police Director Christianne Kellett advised the Crime Laboratory that she had located funding to procure two new FTIR instruments.
  • 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 acquired three new Qiacubes.  Currently Biology Unit personnel manually conduct DNA extractions.  The Qiacubes will be used to conduct automated DNA extractions.  The Qiacubes will be utilized in the processing of sexual assault evidence that has been evaluated both by traditional serological screening, and Y-screening. The Crime Laboratory is currently in the process of procuring a LCMS system.  This system will be used to quantify THC.  We will have to pass an ANAB Assessment, and have quantification testing added to our Scope of Accreditation, prior to beginning quantification casework. The Texas Forensic Science Commission has established a Working Group on STRMIX (including a committee focused on validation).  The Crime Laboratory has decided to postpone our validation of STRMIX until the Texas Forensic Science Commission has completed their work.  The Crime Laboratory reallocated funding that was originally designated for STRMIX validation to DNA outsourcing.

    The Crime Laboratory has acquired three new Qiacubes.  Currently Biology Unit personnel manually conduct DNA extractions.  The Qiacubes will be used to conduct automated DNA extractions.  The Qiacubes will be utilized in the processing of sexual assault evidence that has been evaluated both by traditional serological screening and Y-screening. The Crime Laboratory is currently in the process of procuring a LCMS system (a PO was issued on August 26, 2020).  This system will be used to quantify THC.  We will have to pass an ANAB Assessment, and have quantification testing added to our Scope of Accreditation, prior to beginning quantification casework. The Texas Forensic Science Commission has established a Working Group on STRMIX (including a committee focused on validation).  The Crime Laboratory has decided to postpone our validation of STRMIX until the Texas Forensic Science Commission has completed their work.  The Crime Laboratory reallocated funding that was originally designated for STRMIX validation to DNA outsourcing.

    The Crime Laboratory has acquired three new Qiacubes.  Currently Biology Unit personnel manually conduct DNA extractions.  The Qiacubes will be used to conduct automated DNA extractions.  The Qiacubes will be utilized in the processing of sexual assault evidence that has been evaluated both by traditional serological screening and Y-screening. The Crime Laboratory just acquired a new LCMS system.  This system will be used to quantify THC.  We will have to pass an ANAB Assessment, and have quantification testing added to our Scope of Accreditation, prior to beginning quantification casework.  We anticipate that it will be between March 2021 and June 2021 before we will be able to bring THC quantification testing online.  The Texas Forensic Science Commission has established a Working Group on STRMIX (including a committee focused on validation).  The Crime Laboratory has decided to postpone our validation of STRMIX until the Texas Forensic Science Commission has completed their work.  The Crime Laboratory reallocated funding that was originally designated for STRMIX validation to DNA outsourcing.
  • 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 Crime Laboratory is currently working with IT to procure a LCMS system.  If the Crime Laboratory is able to physically acquire a new LCMS system by August or September 2020, it will be well into the 2021 calendar year before we could bring THC quantification testing online.  If the Chemistry Unit gets a new LCMS system and an additional chemist, the Crime Laboratory could begin to insource THC quantification cases.  This could be a good opportunity for insourcing THC cases from smaller agencies, since we may be the first government Lab in the area with the ability to conduct THC quantification testing.  The Chemistry Unit would have to acquire additional personnel in order to insource THC testing, or the Unit’s turnaround time and backlog would increase.  COVID-19 has had a deleterious effect on the City’s budget; I do not foresee funding for an additional chemist position.  

    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.  A PO was issued on August 26, 2020 to procure a new LCMS system.  If the Crime Laboratory is able to physically acquire a new LCMS system by September 2020, it will be well into the 2021 calendar year before we can bring THC quantification testing online.  If the Chemistry Unit gets a new LCMS system and an additional chemist, the Crime Laboratory could begin to insource THC quantification cases.  This could be a good opportunity for insourcing THC cases from smaller agencies, since we may be the first government laboratory in the area with the ability to conduct THC quantification testing.  The Chemistry Unit would have to acquire additional personnel in order to insource THC testing, or the Unit’s turnaround time and backlog would increase.  COVID-19 has had a deleterious effect on the City’s budget; I do not foresee funding for an additional chemist position. 

    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.  A PO was issued on August 26, 2020 to procure a new LCMS system. The last component of the LCMS was received on Thursday, September 24, 2020.  We anticipate that it will be between March 2021 and June 2021 before we will be able to bring THC quantification testing online.  If the Chemistry Unit gets a new LCMS system and an additional chemist, the Crime Laboratory could begin to insource THC quantification cases.  This could be a good opportunity for insourcing THC cases from smaller agencies, since we may be the first government laboratory in the area with the ability to conduct THC quantification testing.  The Chemistry Unit would have to acquire additional personnel in order to insource THC testing, or the Unit’s turnaround time and backlog would increase.  COVID-19 has had a deleterious effect on the City’s budget; I do not foresee funding for an additional chemist position. 
  • 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.

    June 29 to July27, 2020                                                                               20 total cases currently in queue 101 total cases completed and reported • 32 BAC cases completed and reported • 69 CS cases completed and reported                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    9 Rush cases requested                                                                                                                                8 Rush cases completed within 14 days 89% of rush cases completed <14 days 99% total cases completed <30 days                                                                                                        Average days to complete case:  2 days  

    July 28 to August 27, 2020                                                                     9 total cases currently in queue 97 total cases completed and reported • 24 BAC cases completed and reported • 73 CS cases completed and reported   2 Rush cases requested                                                                                                                                2 Rush cases completed within 14 days 100% of rush cases completed <14 days 100% total cases completed <30 days                                                                                                        Average days to complete case: 2 days 

    August 28 to September 25, 2020                                                                     37 total cases currently in queue 118 total cases completed and reported • 22 BAC cases completed and reported • 96 CS cases completed and reported   5 Rush cases requested                                                                                                                                5 Rush cases completed within 14 days 100% of rush cases completed <14 days 100% total cases completed <30 days                                                                                                        Average days to complete case: 4 days 
  • 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.

    Analyst: Web based / Articles Training for Professional Development Jason Allison: 2 / 29 Jennifer Naquin: 4 / 9 Maria Olds: 3 / 4 Sharon Patton: 0 / 0 Elizabeth Van: 3 / 0 Courtney Vito: 0 / 0 Teree Warren: 2 / 13

    Analyst: Web based / Articles Training for Professional Development Jason Allison: 4 / 24 Jennifer Naquin: 13 / 11 Maria Olds: 16 / 2 Sharon Patton: 0 / 0 Elizabeth Van: 7 /2 Courtney Vito: 0 / 0 Teree Warren: 0 / 18

    Analyst: Web based / Articles Training for Professional Development Jason Allison: 11/ 40 Jennifer Naquin: 6 /4 Maria Olds: 15 /6 Sharon Patton: 0 / 0 Elizabeth Van: 2 /2 Courtney Vito: 4 /2 Teree Warren: 8 / 18
  • 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.

    On July 29, 2020 the Crime Laboratory was advised that the City Secretary had just signed the LCMS contract, and that the contract should be executed in the next several days.  Currently in the process of purchasing Microdiluter for BAC analysis NEEDS ASSESSEMENT:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          (6) dry vacuum pumps requested- HIGH priority rating                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    (2) FTIR instruments  - HIGH priority rating                                                                     Note: after 2020 the existing Laboratory FTIR instruments will probably not be able to be serviced due to age.                                                                    
    The PO for the LCMS and Nitrogen Generator for THC quantification testing was issued on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 NEEDS ASSESSEMENT:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          (6) dry vacuum pumps requested- HIGH priority rating                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    (2) FTIR instruments  - funding has been approved                                                                     Note: after 2020 the existing Laboratory FTIR instruments will not be able to be serviced due to their age.  Christianne Kellett located funding for two new FTIR instruments and Supervisor Van is beginning the RFP process.                                          

    The PO for the LCMS and Nitrogen Generator for THC quantification testing was issued on Wednesday, August 26, 2020.  The LCMS instrument was delivered to the Crime Laboratory in three different containers; the last container was received on Thursday, September 24, 2020.  Supervisor Van is in the process of scheduling the vendor to respond to the Crime Laboratory to install the new LCMS.  The validation process will take approximately 6 to 9 months.                                        NEEDS ASSESSEMENT:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          (6) dry vacuum pumps requested- HIGH priority rating                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    (2) FTIR instruments  - funding has been approved                                                                     Note: after 2020 the existing Laboratory FTIR instruments will not be able to be serviced due to their age.  Christianne Kellett located funding for two new FTIR instruments and Supervisor Van had began the RFP process.                          
  • 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, no insourcing of blood alcohol cases from external agencies will be feasible.  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 times. 

    At our current staffing level, no insourcing of blood alcohol cases from external agencies will be feasible.  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 times. 

    At our current staffing level, no insourcing of blood alcohol cases from external agencies will be feasible.  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 times. 
  • 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.

    July 1 to July 29, 2020 26 Cases completed. 12 (46.1%) had a turnaround time less than 30 days (average turnaround time is 84.46 days). 19 (73.0%) of 26 cases were completed in the Firearm Unit less than 30 days (The average time to complete a case once it gets into the Unit was 44.57 days). 6 of the 26 cases completed were rush cases. 4 of 6 (66.6%) were completed in less than 14 days; Average turnaround time was 14.5 days and average time in the unit was 13.6 days. 0 CPIs were completed. There were 191 entries into NIBIN with 24 leads (12.56% hit rate). 

    August 1 to August 28, 2020 22 Cases completed. 13 (59.1%) had a turnaround time less than 30 days (average turnaround time is 156 days). 22 (100.0%) of 22 cases were completed in the Firearm Unit less than 30 days (The average time to complete a case once it gets into the Unit was 8.45 days). 1 of the 22 cases completed was a rush case. 1 of 1 (100%) was completed in less than 14 days; Average turnaround time was 1 day and average time in the unit was 1 day. 1 CPI was completed. Turnaround time and time in the unit was 6 days. There were 213 entries into NIBIN with 27 leads (12.68% hit rate). 

    September 1 to September 29, 2020 25 Cases completed. 11 (44%) had a turnaround time less than 30 days (average turnaround time is 206.68 days). 25 (100.0%) of 25 cases were completed in the Firearm Unit less than 30 days (The average time to complete a case once it gets into the Unit was 9.56 days). 1 of the 25 cases completed was a rush case. 1 of 1 (100%) was completed in less than 14 days; Average turnaround time was 4 days and average time in the unit was 4 days. No CPIs were completed. There were 262 entries into NIBIN with 29 leads (11.06% 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.

    No members of the Firearm Unit attended training in the month of July.

    All members of the Firearm Unit attended Employee Values Summit training & FTI IBIS 3.2 training in the month of August. 

    No members of the Firearm Unit attended training in the month of September.
  • 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, the Chief approved the Crime Laboratory’s IOC on changes made to NIBIN protocols.  

    On February 21, 2019, the Chief 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 July was 6.4 days. There were no rush requests during this month. 

    As of 8-27-20:  Average total turnaround time for August 2020: 276 days.  Case assignment to report average turnaround time for August 2020: 67 days.   The Biology Unit backlog as of 8-27-20 is 623 case records and 29 requests pending approval. As of 8-27-20 the Biology Unit is significantly understaffed.  Of the 6 positions, 3 are vacant.  The remaining members are the Forensic Supervisor, the CODIS Administrator, and a Forensic Scientist.  During this reporting period there was a heavy focus on proficiency testing and ANAB accreditation assessment which reduced the ability for Biology Unit personnel to complete additional DNA testing related to casework.  

    As of 9-25-20:  Average total turnaround time for September 2020: 260 days.  Case assignment to report average turnaround time for September 2020: 64 days.  The Biology Unit backlog as of 9-23-20 is 605 case records and 12 requests pending approval. The Biology Unit is significantly understaffed.  Of 6 positions, 3 are vacant.  The remaining members are the Forensic Supervisor, the CODIS Administrator, and a Forensic Scientist.
  • 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 is continuing her BS degree program. Latent Print Supervisor participated in a Texas Association for Crime Lab Directors meeting and participated in the Online Forensic Symposium: Current Trends in Forensic Trace Analysis. 

    Latent Print Examiner Heather Wigington is continuing her BS degree program.

    Latent Print Examiner Heather Wigington is continuing her BS degree program. Latent Print Supervisor Deborah Smith completed two Qualtrax webinars and provided training to CFW employees on Creative Problem Solving.
  • 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 will be providing its extra superglue chamber, and training on its use, to the Gang & Narcotics Units once the COVID-19 crisis has lessened and it is safe to come together for the training. The Latent Print Unit has also offered to assist CSSU with additional processing of evidence and taking on some of the officer training responsibilities, in an effort to maximize the services offered by both units.

    The Latent Print Unit will be providing its extra superglue chamber, and training on its use, to the Gang & Narcotics Units once the COVID-19 crisis has lessened and it is safe to come together for the training. The Latent Print Unit has also offered to assist CSSU with additional processing of evidence and taking on some of the officer training responsibilities, in an effort to maximize the services offered by both units.

    The Latent Print Unit will be providing its extra superglue chamber, and training on its use, to the Gang & Narcotics Units once the COVID-19 crisis has lessened and it is safe to come together for the training. The Latent Print Unit has also offered to assist CSSU with additional processing of evidence and taking on some of the officer training responsibilities, in an effort to maximize the services offered by both units.
  • 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 7-27-20:  Average total turnaround time for July 2020: NA.  Case assignment to report average turnaround time for July 2020: NA.   The Biology Unit backlog as of 7-27-20 is 694 case records and no requests pending approval. As of 7-27-20 the Biology Unit is significantly understaffed.  Of the 6 positions, 3 are vacant.  The remaining members are the Forensic Supervisor, the CODIS Administrator, and a Forensic Scientist.  During this reporting period there was a heavy focus on equipment validation and repair which reduced the ability for Biology Unit personnel to be in the laboratory performing DNA testing.  

    As of 8-27-20:  Average total turnaround time for August 2020: 276 days.  Case assignment to report average turnaround time for August 2020: 67 days.   The Biology Unit backlog as of 8-27-20 is 623 case records and 29 requests pending approval. As of 8-27-20 the Biology Unit is significantly understaffed.  Of the 6 positions, 3 are vacant.  The remaining members are the Forensic Supervisor, the CODIS Administrator, and a Forensic Scientist.  During this reporting period there was a heavy focus on proficiency testing and ANAB accreditation assessment which reduced the ability for Biology Unit personnel to complete additional DNA testing related to casework.  

    As of 9-25-20:  Average total turnaround time for September 2020: 260 days.  Case assignment to report average turnaround time for September 2020: 64 days.  The Biology Unit backlog as of 9-23-20 is 605 case records and 12 requests pending approval. The Biology Unit is significantly understaffed.  Of 6 positions, 3 are vacant.  The remaining members are the Forensic Supervisor, the CODIS Administrator, and a Forensic Scientist.
  • 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.

    No members of the Biology Unit attended training in the month of July.

    Forensic Supervisor Cassie Johnson and Forensic Scientist III Uvonna Alexander both virtually attended the Association of Forensic DNA Analysts and Administrators (AFDAA) meeting, as well as complete the 2020 Annual Review of DNA Data Accepted at NDIS training.  Forensic Scientist III Uvonna Alexander additionally attended the online Implicit Bias Awareness Training.

    Forensic Supervisor Cassie Johnson and Forensic Scientist III Uvonna Alexander both virtually attended the International Symposium on Human Identification meeting, as well as complete the City's 2020 Online Security 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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