In recognition of the integral and often overlooked contributions of forensic science to public safety, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is embracing National Forensic Science Week by spotlighting their Crime Laboratory Division with a series of public tours across the state, as they shared in a recent announcement.
"Every day our crime labs across the state are doing extraordinary work. Without the expertise and commitment of these men and women, we would not be able to protect and preserve public safety in Texas," said DPS Director Steven McCraw on the Texas Department of Public Safety website, lauding the staff in a statement that reflects the ethos of the department since its one-chemist beginnings in 1937. The Crime Laboratory Division's flourishing into 16 accredited labs across Texas comes with a comprehensive list of analysis services ranging from digital evidence to toxicology and seizing drugs, to securing justice and day-to-day peace for the citizenry.
The DPS has been active in legislative engagement with victories such as House Bill 1399 expanding DNA collection, which has led to 28 additional unsolved cases being aided, and House Bill 3956, bringing forth over 100 CODIS hits since its enactment, highlighting the direct impact legislation has on crime-solving effectiveness. Furthermore, the DPS has tackled the backlog of sexual assault kits (SAKs)—1,347 completed since March 2022—and trimmed down the turnaround time for drug presence detection in biological samples, diminishing the toxicology backlog by nearly 2,000 cases, as declared by the department.
As part of the week-long observance, DPS is not just reflecting on past accomplishments but actively engaging with the community; the Austin lab at DPS Headquarters is among the 16 host sites, offering free tickets for glimpses into the workings of forensic science, a gesture underscoring their commitment to transparency and public involvement in upholding justice which is a thread running deeply through the organization’s philosophy and practice.
Those interested in witnessing the rigorous processes behind crime-solving science can consult individual lab schedules for tour times and availability in regions such as Garland, Tyler, Houston, Corpus Christi, and more. This rare opportunity underscores a collective endeavor—a confluence of science, law, and tenacious human spirit driving the search for truth, as the DPS Crime Laboratory Division continues to champion advancements in forensic methodologies and public engagement.
