Forensic Science Failures in Texas
Investigative journalists and independent audits have exposed serious problems with the crime labs in Texas. These crime lab problems — ranging from loss and contamination of evidence to improper testing and procedures to misreading of test results — undermine the credibility of the criminal justice system.
The Houston Police Department Crime Laboratory has been a striking example of these failures. In recent years, the lab has been linked to numerous forensic science flaws that have led to three wrongful convictions. Because of these flaws, the lab has had to be closed on multiple occasions. Currently, the lab is closed and under investigation. The lab has hired a new DNA manager. The old manager resigned during a scandal involving cheating on proficiency exams by analysts.
More information:
Office of the Independent Investigator of the HPD Crime Lab
Stories from the Houston Chronicle on the problems of the HPD Crime Lab
HPD DNA Lab Could Soon Be Back Open (KPRC Houston, 06/23/08)
No tough questions from council committee for scandal plagued HPD lab boss (KHOU Houston, 06/23/08)
Ronald Taylor says pardon brings new meaning to life (Houston Chronicle, 06/19/08)
