The Bexar County Criminal Investigation Lab is facing a significant backlog in its DNA analysis division, impacting hundreds of cases. A shift to a new, more thorough DNA testing technology, while scientifically beneficial, has extended processing times beyond the federal definition of a backlog. This has created challenges in clearing cases, particularly those not deemed high priority.
Key Takeaways
- A new DNA analysis technique implemented in June 2022 has increased the time it takes to process each piece of evidence to six weeks.
- This extended processing time means that, by federal definition, all DNA cases are technically backlogged as they exceed the 30-day threshold.
- Staffing shortages, including the loss of experienced personnel, have also contributed to the growing backlog.
- Despite challenges, the lab has seen a recent decrease in its backlog, with expectations for continued improvement.
The Impact of New Technology
In June 2022, the Bexar County Criminal Investigation Lab transitioned to a new DNA analysis technique. While this advanced method provides more comprehensive results and is considered the best recommendation for accuracy, it significantly increases the time required for each test. Lab Director Orin Dym stated that each piece of evidence now takes approximately six weeks to process.
This extended timeline directly conflicts with the federal definition of a backlogged case, which is any case unworked for 30 days. Dym explained that this federal standard is integral to grant funding and established procedures, meaning that technically, every DNA case processed with the new method falls into the backlogged category.
Staffing Challenges and Recent Trends
Beyond the technological shift, staffing levels have also played a crucial role in the backlog. Although the county provided additional employees to address the issue, the numbers began to rise again in January 2025. This increase was partly due to the departure of three employees, including a supervisor, and one staff member taking maternity leave.
The lab anticipates that the demand for testing kits, particularly for sexual assault survivors, may continue to grow. In response, Dym is prepared to request more staff from the county if necessary. Encouragingly, the backlog has shown signs of decreasing. In October, the number of backlogged cases dropped from 388 to 349, and the lab expects this positive trend to accelerate.
Sources
Founder Dinis Guarda
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