Backlogs at HPD Lab

The Houston Police Department has developed a backlog of more than 300 cases in which firearm forensics have not been performed, the third major area of evidence awaiting analysis to build up as the crime lab works to achieve full legitimacy after being engulfed in scandal for years.

Despite years of effort aimed at cleaning up the problems that led to the wrongful convictions of at least four men, backlogs for thousands of cases also have developed in rape kits and fingerprint analysis.

Although the recent issues highlighted in an audit of HPD's fingerprint unit do not involve the crime lab — the two are separate entities — police in both instances have cited ongoing staff shortages, retirements and training requirements to explain the backlog of evidence.

“We're not sitting back here and twiddling our thumbs,” said Crime Lab Director Irma Rios.

Labs across the country have backlogs, and the department has added staff, upgraded facilities and procedures, and is poised to begin using robotics in about 15 months to decrease the number of cases, she said.

“We're accountable, we realize we have a tremendous responsibility ... These backlogs didn't occur overnight, they took many, many years,” Rios said.

Backlog woes continue at HPD lab | Houston & Texas News | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

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