Majority of HPD Crime Lab has accreditation back

07:15 PM CDT on Wednesday, May 11, 2005

By Nancy Holland / 11 News

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HOUSTON -- There has been a significant development in the ongoing investigation of the HPD Crime Lab.

KHOU-TV

The majority of that lab, as of May 10, does have national accreditation.

The majority of the crime lab in Houston now has its accreditation back. Police and members of the crime lab said it is a very big step in regaining the confidence of both the public and the criminal justice system.

The majority of that lab, as of May 10, does have national accreditation. But it is important to note that it is not the DNA portion of the lab. Currently, there is no regional DNA lab. The Houston Police Department is hoping to change that by the end of 2005. Still, they call the accreditation of the rest of the lab a major milestone.

There are still some problems. There are at least 16 vacancies and also some training that needs to be done.

"I know that the perception, the negative perception is it's going to take some time to repair and it's going to take a lot of hard work. This is the first step for our crime lab moving in the right direction," said Irma Rios, HPD Crime Lab Director.

Employees at the crime lab said it has been a very difficult time for them. But now they feel very free to speak out if there is any problem at all.