Forensic Services
- Case Management
Case Management coordinates outsourcing of DNA forensic analysis services, monitors the progress of DNA vendor laboratories, and communicates status updates to City Stakeholders. The section provides verification of legally required authorizations for disposition of property in coordination with Evidence Control.
- Crime Scene
Crime Scene responds to crime scenes 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to ensure timely and thorough crime scene investigations and the integrity of collected evidence. Personnel collect and process evidence to facilitate downstream forensic analyses.
- Evidence Control
Evidence Control accounts for the safe and proper storage and legal disposition of all evidence, safekeeping of found property, and seized property coming into the possession of the Austin Police Department. Evidence Control maintains a strict chain of custody and evidence records for presentation in court.
- Firearms and Toolmarks
Firearms and Toolmarks responds to major crime scenes involving a firearm. Licensed examiners perform a number of test methods including physical comparisons, function testing, length measurements, and chemical testing.
- Latent Prints
Latent Prints receives, maintains, and analyzes latent print evidence. Latent Print Examiners and APFIS Technicians conduct inquiries using local, state, and federal databases and perform side-by-side comparisons that may indicate the source of a latent print.
- Multimedia
- Polygraph
- Quality Assurance
Quality Assurance monitors the quality system and ensures compliance with ANSI National Accreditation Board, Texas Forensic Science Commission, other quality standards, and best practices.
- Seized Drugs
Seized Drugs performs forensic analysis of materials to determine the presence of controlled substances such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, benzodiazepines, and other substances including compounds commonly associated with drug-facilitated sexual assaults.
- Support Services
Support Services deliver expert multi-media resources, credentialed polygraph examiner support, forensic records management, and Department management and administration services.
- Toxicology
Toxicology provides accurate, quality analyses of submitted blood samples for blood alcohol content. Licensed forensic toxicologists conduct all testing, prepare reports, and provide related expert testimony.