Appropriations Request - Texas Department of Public Safety

3.A. STRATEGY REQUEST
82nd Regular Session, Agency Submission, Version I
Automated Budget and Evaluation System ofTexas (ABEST)
DATE:
TIME:
812112010
1:41:0IPM
Agency code: 405
Agency name: Department of Public Safety
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GOAL:
OBJECTIVE:
4 Regulatory and Agency Services
Statewide Goal/Benchmark:
Law Enforcement Services
Service Categories:
5
STRATEGY:
2 Crime Laboratory Services Service: 34 Income: A.2
Age: B.3
CODE DESCRIPTION Exp 2009 Est 2010 Bud 2011 BL2012 8L2013
STRATEGY DESCRIPTION AND JUSTIFICATION:
The enabling statute is Chapter 41 I, Government Code.
The Crime Laboratory Service, including the Breath Alcohol Test Program, provides forensic laboratory services for all law enforcement agencies in the state.
Evidence in criminal investigations is submitted by law enforcement to one ofthe thirteen (13) DPS Crime Laboratories for analysis, and reporting of findings. Infonnation contained
in laboratory reports hel ps investigators and courts identi fy and determine the guilt or innocence 0 f a suspect Through the DPS laboratories, law enforcement agencies are
provided scientific analysis of a range of different types of evidence. The Crime Laboratory Service also assists law enforcement agencies with crime scene investigations.
The scientific director within the Crime Laboratory Service administers the statewide breath alcohol test program in accordance with statute, using technical supervisors to both
certify test operators and oversee the test instruments.
The DPS director, through the Crime Laboratory Service, accredits crime laboratories in accordance with the statute and administrative rules, regulates forensic DNA testing in
crime laboratories in the state, and is charged by the legislature to develop the DNA profile of every convicted felon in the state, and to enter those profiles into the FBl sponsored
Combined DNA Indexing System (COOlS) DNA database.
EXTERNAUINTERNAL FACTORS IMPACTING STRATEGY:
The potential of DNA testing is recognized by both the department and local agencies as the foremost criminal evidence advancement in our times. This has created a doubling in
the demand for this service in just five years. The efficient processing of DNA samples from convicted offenders and from evidence in forensic cases is necessary for the success
ofthe DNA program to assist in solving both violent and property crimes.
The Crime Laboratory Service has also seen a 100 % increase, over the past five years, in the number of blood samples submitted for alcohol testing in OWl cases. The success and
timely management of laboratory analyses can only be accomplished through the efficient use of personnel, space, and equipment. Ten replacement laboratory facilities have been
approved and are in some stage of either design or construction, with two nOw completed. Automation of many lab processes is also underway. Funding the operation and
maintenance of these facilities, as well as the maintenance of lab instruments, will require an increasing share of overall laboratory operating resources.