DOJ, Texas Rangers investigating DNA crime lab
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The Department of Justice and the Texas Rangers are conducting assessments into operations at the Austin Police Department's forensic center.
Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo invited the Texas Rangers to audit the lab, in an effort to resolve allegations of misconduct made by former DNA lab analyst Cecily Hamilton. The Justice Department review is a routine, biannual affair.
Assistant Austin Police Chief and lab supervisor Sean Mannix said outside audits are not only welcome, but happen regularly.
"So at least every single year, an outside agency with experts are coming to the Austin Police Department, going to the DNA lab, looking at the operation and making recommendations for improvement or, you know, any other determinations that they make. And the lab consistently comes through with flying colors," Mannix said.
The Justice Department audit should be complete Thursday. The Texas Rangers may wrap up their investigation as early as Friday.