Mid City Times

The Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) updated the City Council on the current status of the crime lab and its handling of backlogged sexual assault kits during a recent work session. Presently, 779 kits have been tested and are awaiting review and entry into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). This system is crucial for comparing DNA profiles with both known and unknown profiles.

There are 190 kits sent out for testing, with 116 exceeding the 90-day processing timeframe. These delays are attributed to a shortage of certified staff in the Biology Unit at the Fort Worth Crime Lab, which currently has five vacancies. Only two certified biologists are available to review and enter CODIS information.

Texas Government Code Chapter 420 mandates that law enforcement agencies submit evidence for analysis within 30 days of receipt. Failure to do so requires a report to be sent to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) along with an explanation.

The FWPD Crime Lab has already provided test results to detectives while post-test reviews and CODIS entries continue. Detectives can share these reports with victims and proceed with prosecutions even before completion.

FWPD received a federal grant amounting to $686,000 aimed at addressing the backlog. The department is also working on expanding its list of vendors for CODIS entry. Currently, approximately 600 samples from the backlog are being entered into CODIS.

Additionally, there are 179 kits that do not meet CODIS standards but are under review by FWPD personnel, including two technicians in training. The lab aims to complete this process within three weeks. Most offenders in these cases are known to their victims, eliminating the requirement for CODIS entry for prosecution; however, all samples will eventually be entered into CODIS.

Police Chief Neil Noakes addressed the situation: “This is a completely unacceptable situation we're in right now. We understand the urgency of correcting this problem and setting things right going forward so we never have to come across a situation like this again.”

Oversight of crime lab issues will now involve several entities including the City Manager’s Office, Office of Police Oversight Monitor (OPOM), and FWPD leadership such as Assistant Chief David Carabajal and Chief Noakes.

FWPD has opened job postings for forensic scientists at various levels as part of efforts to manage sexual assault kit processing internally. A functional Forensic Division offers benefits such as high-quality forensic examinations adhering to international standards and FBI guidelines without outsourcing needs.

Last week alone saw FWPD resolve 102 cases related to this backlog issue, with expectations set on clearing remaining cases by early 2025. Efforts include encouraging overtime work among DNA scientists and hiring contract employees for assistance.

Another update session is scheduled for November 5th.