HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8633 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS NO. 8633
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
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SUBJECT: UPDATE ON FORT WORTH POLICE DEPARTMENT CRIME
6,YA LABORATORY
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The purpose of this report is to respond to Council's request for an update on the Fort Worth Police
Department's Forensic Laboratory project.
On January 28, 2003, the City Council submitted a budget to acquire a building to house the Fort Worth
Police Department Crime Laboratory. On February 12, 2003 the Fort Worth Crime Control and Prevention
District approved a $1.7 million budget adjustment for the acquisition. On February 25, 2003 the City
Council accepted the funds. The plan called for the purchase of a 22,000 square foot building located at 700
N. Freeway. On July 2003 it was discovered that the Texas Department of Transportation had future plans
to widen 1-35W, which would significantly impact this facility. As a result of the Texas Department of
Transportation project, the decision to purchase the building was abandoned.
Shortly after the cancellation of the purchase, Mayor Moncrief inquired about sharing space or outsourcing
lab services to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's office. After much deliberation and research
between the County and the City, it was determined that the Fort Worth Police Department will continue to
operate a separate forensic laboratory with the following recommendations:
• Expand current laboratory disciplines to include forensic chemistry, firearms, and latent fingerprint
sections.
• Prepare a comprehensive plan for the Fort Worth Police Department's forensic science division.
This plan should be based upon a needs assessment provided by a firm specializing in forensic
laboratory design and construction.
• Construct a new facility to house the Fort Worth Police Department's forensic science operations,
Crime Scene Search Section, and evidence/property storage.
• Institute sections in forensic photography,digital media, and-identification technologies.
• Establish a trace evidence section within the forensic laboratory within two years.
• Re-establish a full-service DNA section within four years.
• Provide advanced training to department employees on current and emerging forensic
methodologies and evidence collection techniques.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8633
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
Page 2 of 2
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SUBJECT: UPDATE ON FORT WORTH POLICE DEPARTMENT CRIME
LABORATORY
Staff is working to identify a funding source to secure the $60,000 required for this needs assessment. We
anticipate bringing an M & C to the City Council within the next 45 days. In the meantime, we are doing
preliminary work to identify suitable locations for the new laboratory facility.
Please r-el free nta Deputy Chief Cliff Cook at 392-4141 if you have any additional questions.
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C,4hales . Bos I
Interim City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS