The Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) Crime Laboratory has announced that it has officially cleared its backlog of 898 sexual assault kits from 2024 within a six-month period, reinforcing its commitment to the community and justice for victims.
The backlog not only required testing but also the entry of DNA profiles into the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). The FWPD confirmed that this entire process has now been completed.
Additionally, 190 more sexual assault kits mailed out for testing on October 18, 2024, which initially exceeded the state's 90-day CODIS entry requirement while awaiting results, have since been fully processed and entered, bringing the department into full compliance with all state regulations.
The successful elimination of the backlog was attributed to several key factors and proactive steps taken by the FWPD and the Crime Lab staff:
- Increased Staffing: The Crime Lab now has the necessary personnel to process all sexual assault kits, addressing a primary cause of the backlog, which was a shortage of certified DNA scientists for CODIS review and entry. The lab currently employs seven individuals qualified for this function, compared to only two in 2024.
- Policy Changes: New policies have been implemented to ensure ongoing compliance with state and federal requirements and the City of Fort Worth’s standards. This includes a requirement for detectives to notify victims of any processing delays and document the communication.
- Secured Federal Grant Funding: Federal grants were utilized to outsource testing to private labs, significantly expediting turnaround times. An ongoing $686,000 federal grant is received yearly for this purpose.
- Utilized Local Funding: $349,000 in Crime Control Prevention District (CCPD) funding was allocated for testing and to initiate a benchmark study of the entire Crime Lab.
- Addressed Staffing Shortages: Highly qualified and certified individuals were hired to fill long-vacant positions, with new-hire DNA analysts receiving a $5,000 sign-on bonus. Efforts to improve employee retention included an 8.5% pay increase for forensic scientists approved in December 2024.
- Streamlined Testing Priorities: In collaboration with the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office, cases where testing was no longer necessary were removed from the backlog. A reassessment of DNA submissions across divisions also led to the prioritization of sexual assault kits.
- Collaborated with External Agencies: 50 cases were reassigned to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Crime Lab in Austin for ownership review and CODIS entry. Additionally, the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office (TMCE) agreed to process five new sexual assault kits per week starting in January 2025.
- Improved Communication: Enhanced internal and external communications were implemented to ensure transparency and consistency throughout the backlog reduction effort.
“Clearing a backlog of this size was not just about meeting a target – it was about restoring trust with our community, delivering justice, and proving that victims’ voices matter. This team implemented real change to ensure this doesn’t happen again,” said Fort Worth Chief of Police Neil Noakes. “My message to every victim is this: The Fort Worth Police Department is committed, accountable, and will continue to fight for you every step of the way.”
Looking towards the future, the Fort Worth City Council approved $100,000 of the CCPD funding for a benchmark study with Forensic Analysis, Consulting, and Training LLC (FACT) to further evaluate the Crime Lab, identify process improvements, and ensure best practices are in place. The FWPD is also transitioning to in-house processing of sexual assault kits once newly hired personnel receive FBI certification, aiming for a single forensic scientist to manage each kit from start to finish for enhanced efficiency and accountability. The department reiterated its commitment to maintaining compliance, improving efficiency, and ensuring justice and compassionate support for victims.
