At a recent work session, Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes provided the City Council with an update on efforts to reduce the backlog of sexual assault cases within the Fort Worth Police Department's (FWPD) Crime Lab. As of November 4, the department has reduced the number of overdue cases to 708, down from 898 on October 11. This update followed an initial report made in October.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office (TCME) has agreed to assist with new cases due to technical restrictions, while FWPD continues to handle existing cases. To ensure communication, 30 detectives have been contacting victims with backlogged cases to provide updates, with calls expected to be completed by November 6 for cases with unknown suspects. Under new protocols, victims will be notified of any testing delays, with contact documented in case notes.
FWPD’s Office of the Police Oversight Monitor (OPOM) has joined the oversight process for the lab's improvements. Efforts are also underway to hire additional forensic scientists, with job postings promoted on social media and LinkedIn. Updates on the Crime Lab’s progress can be found on the FWPD website.
Future plans include weekly progress meetings with city officials, finalizing a contract with TCME, setting up forensic scientist interviews, and engaging a vendor for an independent audit of the Crime Lab. The department will continue to work toward eliminating the backlog and seek contract employees to support DNA sample entries into CODIS.
