Forensic Science Division

Support Bureau
Goals Accomplishments Division / Unit / Section Responsible Party - Lead Funding Status
Sep-20 Oct-20 Nov-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 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.

    We had 99 different entries in the Laboratory’s Professional Development Log for the month of October. 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.   On the positive side, due to COVID-19 there are now online training venues available that Laboratory personnel can get CFE that previously did not exist; it cost less to attend online training venues than in-person training venues.

    We had 66 different entries in the Laboratory’s Professional Development Log for the month of November. 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 26 current employees and three vacancies.  Of Lab’s 26 current employees, 15 are licensed Forensic Analysts by the State of Texas, 1 employee is in the process of being licensed, and 3 are Latent Print Examiners certified in Latent Print Examination by the International Association of Identification (IAI).  All 3 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.   On the positive side, due to COVID-19 there are now online training venues available that Laboratory personnel can receive CFE that previously did not exist; it cost less to attend online training venues than in-person training venues.
  • 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.

    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.

    The Crime Laboratory has begun the process of setting up and validating the new LCMS instrument.  We have encountered an issue; there is a problem between the Laboratory’s air system, the nitrogen generator, and the mass spectrometer component of the LCMS.  Waters has loaned the Crime Laboratory a nitrogen generator with an integral air compressor.  The nitrogen generator with the integral air compressor resolved the problem.  The Crime Laboratory is working with City Purchasing in order to purchase the upgraded nitrogen generator.  The upgraded nitrogen generator will cost approximately $1,800.00 more than the original nitrogen generator.  Currently City purchasing polices will not permit us to purchase the upgraded nitrogen generator without going through a several month procurement process.  The Crime Laboratory has reviewed the original Qiacube validation reports and it was determined that further evaluation was required.  Qiagen personnel responded 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 agreed 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.

    The Crime Laboratory has begun the process of setting up and validating the new LCMS instrument.  We have encountered an issue; there is a problem between the Laboratory’s air system, the nitrogen generator, and the mass spectrometer component of the LCMS.  The vendor has loaned the Crime Laboratory a nitrogen generator with an integral air compressor.  The nitrogen generator with the integral air compressor resolved the problem.  The Crime Laboratory is working with City Purchasing in order to purchase the upgraded nitrogen generator.  The upgraded nitrogen generator will cost approximately $1,800.00 more than the original nitrogen generator.  Currently City purchasing polices will not permit us to purchase the upgraded nitrogen generator without going through a several month procurement process.  The Crime Laboratory has reviewed the original Qiacube validation reports and it was determined that further evaluation was required.  Qiagen personnel responded 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 agreed 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 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.

    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.

    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 June 2021 and September 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.  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. 

    Texas SB1325 took effect when it was signed by Governor Abbott on June 10, 2019, and legalized 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 needed new equipment in order to be able to quantify THC in evidentiary items.  The Crime Laboratory has begun the process of setting up the LCMS instrument and validating it.  Currently we are experiencing an issue with system’s nitrogen generator, and we need to procure a nitrogen generator with an integral air compressor.  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 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 legalized 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 needed new equipment in order to be able to quantify THC in evidentiary items.  The Crime Laboratory has begun the process of setting up the LCMS instrument.  Currently we are experiencing an issue with system’s nitrogen generator, and we need to procure a nitrogen generator with an integral air compressor.  We anticipate that it will be between June 2021 and September 2021 before we will be able to bring THC quantification testing online.  If the Chemistry Unit gets 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.

    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 

    September 28 to October 28, 2020                                                                     12 total cases currently in queue 183 total cases completed and reported • 40 BAC cases completed and reported • 143 CS cases completed and reported   14 Rush cases requested                                                                                                                                14 Rush cases completed within 14 days 100% of rush cases completed <14 days 100% total cases completed <30 days                                                                                                        Average time to complete case: 2.8 days 

    October 29 to Novemver 20, 2020                                                                     16 total cases currently in queue 100 total cases completed and reported • 36 BAC cases completed and reported • 64 CS cases completed and reported   3 Rush cases requested                                                                                                                                3 Rush cases completed within 14 days 100% of rush cases completed <14 days 99% total cases completed <30 days                                                                                                        Average days to complete case: 2.9 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: 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

    Analyst: Web based / Articles Training for Professional Development Jason Allison: 2 / 31 Jennifer Naquin: 0 / 0 Maria Olds: 15 / 4 Sharon Patton: 7 / 0 Elizabeth Van: 2 / 0 Courtney Vito: 1 / 0 Teree Warren: 5 / 17

    Analyst: Web based / Articles Training for Professional Development Jason Allison: 23 / 11 Jennifer Naquin:0 / 0 Maria Olds: 3 / 1 Sharon Patton: 0 / 1 Elizabeth Van: 8 / 0 Courtney Vito: 1 / 0 Teree Warren: 1 / 11
  • 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.

    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.                          

    In October Waters began the process of setting up and installing the new LCMS instrument.  During the installation process it was discovered that the Laboratory’s medical air compressor, which supplies carrier gas for the LCMS system, does not provide adequate pressure.  The vendor loaned the Laboratory a nitrogen generator with an integral air compressor; this solved the problem.  The Laboratory is working with City Purchasing to acquire the upgraded nitrogen generator.  We have also experienced some difficulty in purchasing the supplies necessary for the validation of the LCMS.  Once the necessary supplies have been obtained, we will schedule the vendor to assist with method-validation. The validation process will take approximately six to nine months.                                        Needs Assessment:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          (6) dry vacuum pumps requested- HIGH priority rating                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    (2) FTIR instruments  - funding has been approved                                                       

    Our new LCMS was installed by Waters.  At the time of installation, it was discovered that the Laboratory’s air compressor was inadequate for the task of supplying carrier gas to the LCMS system.  A nitrogen generator with an integral air compressor was loaned to the Laboratory.  The purchase of necessary supplies for the validation process has run into delays.  Once we have acquired the necessary supplies, we will then be able to schedule the vendor to help with the method-validation process.  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 has begun 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.

    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). 

    October 1 to October 29, 2020 19 Cases completed. 4 (21.05%) had a turnaround time less than 30 days (average turnaround time is 270.26 days). 19 (100.0%) of 19 cases were completed in the Firearm Unit in less than 30 days (The average time to complete a case once it gets into the Unit was 5.21 days). No CPIs and no rush cases were completed. There were 209 entries into NIBIN with 40 leads (19.13% hit rate). 

    November 1 to November 24, 2020 13 Cases completed. 9 (69.2%) had a turnaround time less than 30 days (average turnaround time is 60.61 days). 13 (100.0%) of 13 cases were completed in the Firearm Unit in less than 30 days (The average time to complete a case once it gets into the Unit was 6.9 days). 4 of the 13 cases completed were rush cases. 4 of 4 (100%) were completed in less than 14 days; average turnaround time was 6.25 days and average time in the unit was 6.25 days. No CPIs were completed. There were 209 entries into NIBIN with 46 leads (22.0% 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 September.

    Forensic Scientist II Lorelei completed the Texas Forensic Science Commission’s mandatory Legal and Professional Responsibility course in the month of October.

    No members of the Firearm Unit attended training in the month of November.
  • 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.

    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.

    The average turnaround time for all cases completed during October was 8 days. There were no rush requests during this month. 

    The average turnaround time for all cases completed during November was 9.6 days. There were no rush requests noted during this month. 
  • 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 Deborah Smith completed two Qualtrax webinars and provided training to CFW employees on Creative Problem Solving.

    Latent Print Technician Jamie Mueller provided fingerprint processing training to officers at the TCC Academy, and the FWPD Academy's Intermediate Crime Scene class.  Latent Print Examiner Heather Wigington is continuing her BS degree program.  Latent Print Supervisor Deborah Smith attended the SWAFS online training conference and the AFQAM online training conference, participated in 4 webinars (Qualtrax, A2LA, HFSC & OSAC), participated in virtual Qualtrax training, and conducted an ANAB surveillance assessment for St. Paul, Minnesota PD Crime Laboratory.

    Latent Print Examiner Heather Wigington is continuing her BS degree program.  Latent Print Examiner Pat Wertheim provided comparison training to other latent print examiners.  Latent Print Supervisor Deborah Smith participated in 4 sessions of Qualtrax training, 1 A2LA webinar, and 1 NIJ webinar.
  • 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 the 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 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.

    As of 10-28-20:  Average total turnaround time for October 2020: 39 days.  Case assignment to report average turnaround time for October 2020: 38 days.  The Biology Unit backlog as of 10-28-20 is 648 case records and 13 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. 

    As of 11-23-20:  No cases have been reported this month.  Biology Unit staff are currently working on the interpretation/reporting of a large death penalty case.  Other cases are in the review stages but have not been completed as of this date.  Case assignment to report average turnaround time for November 2020: n/a.  The Biology Unit backlog as of 11-23-20 is 635 case records and 9 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 who is currently on FMLA. 
  • 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.

    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.  

    Forensic Supervisor Cassie Johnson and Forensic Scientist III Uvonna Alexander both virtually completed the Texas Forensic Science Commission's Legal and Mandatory Professional Responsibility Training.  Forensic Scientist III Uvonna Alexander virtually attended a workshop regarding probabilistic genotyping.  Forensic Supervisor Cassie Johnson additionally completed a leadership course and the City's CJIS training.

    Forensic Supervisor Cassie Johnson and Forensic Scientist III Uvonna Alexander both virtually attended a webinar entitled "Forensic Genetic Genealogy: Practical Considerations to Improve Outcomes and Forenseq Forensic Genomics Solutions".  Forensic Scientist III Uvonna Alexander additionally completed the City's CJIS training.  Forensic Supervisor Cassie Johnson additionally completed a leadership course.
  • 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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