FY 2021 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction

The Houston Forensic Science Center (HFSC) is a uniquely independent laboratory that provides forensic services to the Houston Police Department (HPD), one of the largest police departments in the state of Texas.  HFSC is accredited under ISO/IEC 17025: 2017 in each of seven forensic disciplines: crime scene, digital and multimedia, firearms toxicology, seized drugs, latent prints, and forensic biology/DNA.  As is true for many forensic laboratories, HFSC is challenged to meet customer demand for DNA services and must continuously seek opportunities to streamline laboratory operations, alleviate bottlenecks in the testing process, and increase throughput.

HFSC requests FY 2021 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program (CEBR) funds to support overall goals of improving laboratory efficiency and capacity and reducing the Forensic Biology/DNA section’s casework backlog.  Specifically, funds will be used for staffing, software, laboratory equipment, supplemental casework support, and continuing education.