Forensic Science Operations

Project Abstract
 

The Crime Lab is a multi-disciplinary laboratory that provides forensic services, including serology and DNA testing, to the Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) and the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office. The Crime Lab is accredited by the Texas Forensic Science Commission and ANAB until December 31, 2024.

The City of Fort Worth seeks funding through the FY 2022 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program to improve services provided by the FWPD Crime Laboratory. A total of $777,735.00 is requested to improve the timeliness of service to its customers. The primary purpose of this project is to reduce the backlogs and turnaround times of the Biology Unit. Funding is requested for the Crime Lab to meet the following objectives:

1.   Provide funds to outsource evidence to an accredited laboratory to reduce the number of cases awaiting analysis.  Outsourcing will reduce the backlog and turnaround time.

2.   Provide funds to maintain a Property Control Specialist (salary and fringe benefits) to inventory and transfer cold case evidence to the Property Control Unit for long-term storage.  Recording/inventorying the evidence will reduce delays in locating samples in storage when a request is made, thereby improving the turnaround time.