60NANB23D120

Purpose/Scope: The project will allow for the co-location and efficiency of various divisions within the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences (HCIFS) that are currently located separately. Approximately 36,000 SF on three floors will be built out or otherwise renovated at 1861 Old Spanish Trail to address existing space requirements at that location and absorb the relocation of HCIF facilities currently located at 2450 Holcombe Boulevard.

The proposed federal funding will be applied to planning and design, construction, materials testing, and other project-related expenses.

Activities to be performed: Funds will be spent on engineering and construction-related activities necessary to expand the functions of the existing building. The primary change will be to build out shell space to house forensic laboratory functions presently located at a separate, leased facility. Consolidation of the laboratory with the bulk of the forensic functions housed in the existing building will bring virtually all of the department's staff to a single location, increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of vital operations. Other system-level upgrades and improvements to the existing building may also be included if budget allows. This will result in the Medical Examiner Services (Morgue Services, Morgue and Toxicology Storage Coolers, and Property DNA & Information Systems) and the Crime Laboratory Services (Forensic Genetics, Forensic Toxicology, Drug Chemistry, Trace Evidence, and Evidence Intake & Firearms Identification) to be enhanced and consolidated.

Expected outcomes: Increasing the operational capacity of the HCIFS is one part of a holistic strategy to address the county's rise in crime. This expansion and consolidation will help improve the criminal justice system. For instance, greater efficiency in forensic analysis can help reduce the criminal case backlog. HCIFS morgue assessment is a necessity as the Medical Examiner Services have seen a dramatic increase in cases and decedents being transported to the morgue. The HCIFS morgue and toxicology storage coolers have outgrown its current cold storage space and must assess its capacity for potential replacement. Forensic genetics lab will allow HCIFS units to more easily work together and collaborate by being housed all in one facility. It will also help improve communications and operations and will ensure a more reliable chain of custody for evidence being received and tested by HCIFS. The relocation will also allow the lab to provide greater and more efficient services to its customers.

The expected outcomes will be to:
1. Schedule and facilitate completion of 90% of autopsies within 48 hours,
2. Complete sexual assault DNA cases within 90 days,
3. Complete homicide/death investigation DNA cases within 90 days;
4. Ensure quality and expedient customer service to decedent families; and
5. Lower long-term costs by consolidating the forensic genetics lab with other core HCIFS divisions in one location.

Intended beneficiaries:
A. General population
B. Crime victims
C. Defendants
D. Law enforcement and judicial system

Subrecipient activities: None

Useful life: 15 years

County Of Harris

11.617 - Congressionally-Identified Projects

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) [DOC]

Houston, Texas 77002-1901 United States

Single Zip Code

None