Forensic Science

The Fort Worth Police Department Crime Laboratory opened in October 1960 after receiving a grant from the local Safety Council.  Over its 60-plus years, the Crime Laboratory has been housed in several locations – Burnett Street, 10^th Street, West Belknap and its current location on East Lancaster Avenue.

The Fort Worth Police Department Crime Laboratory is a civilian based organization under the Investigative & Support Command within the Support Bureau under the administration of the Chief of Police.  The Crime Lab supports the City of Fort Worth mission by providing scientific and technical assistance to the Fort Worth Police Department through delivery of forensic services.

Our objectives include the following:

• To provide quality analytical examinations in a timely manner
• To preserve evidence while adhering to the highest standards of quality, objectivity and ethics
• To provide quality forensic investigations
• To meet all requirements to maintain ISO 17025 accreditation by ANSI National Accreditation Board and Texas Forensic Science Commission
• To support judicial system with supporting data, conclusions and testimony regarding forensic analyses

The Forensic Division Manager provides strategic leadership for daily operations of a multidisciplinary laboratory that compromises the following areas:

• Administration: consists of a Crime Lab Liaison who consults with detectives and attorneys in making laboratory service requests by triaging and prioritizing with unit supervisors to ensure deadlines are met and our Management Analyst I assists with budget management and procurement of goods and services for the laboratory.
• Biology:  analyzes evidence for the presence of biological material and identification of DNA.
• Chemistry:  analyzes seized drugs for the presence of a controlled substance, THC concentration, and blood alcohol concentration for DWI-related cases.
• Evidence:  ensures the integrity of evidence as it is transported or received by the Crime Laboratory.
• Firearms:  compares firearms to cartridges and bullets through microscopic examinations, functionality tests, serial number restoration, 3D imaging and maintains the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN) database for Fort Worth Police Department by triaging and entering acquisitions for cartridge cases.
• Latent Prints:  analyzes evidence for the presence of latent prints and compares to known subjects.
• Quality:  ensures quality standards are met to maintain laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing of forensic analysts and technicians.  Discloses nonconformances to stakeholders.

The Division employs approximately thirty-five (35) full-time employees to serve 1-million citizens within the City of Fort Worth and to fulfill service requests from approximately 1,700 Fort Worth Police Department officers.

ANAB Accreditation Certificate ANAB Scope of Accreditation TFSC Accreditation Renewal Letter 08-07-2025

Fort Worth Police Department Crime Lab is committed to continuous improvement and values your feedback. If you have case specific feedback please fill out our Quality of Service Questionnaire. For more general comments on Crime Lab service, please contact our Crime Lab Contact at Sundaye.Lopez@fortworthtexas.gov.