Investigation Vindicates APD Crime Lab
The APD crime lab has survived two investigations in recent years. Photo by KUT NewsAustin Police Department officials say the findings of a state forensics commission confirm what they’ve been saying all along.
The commission was investigating APD’s crime lab after complaints from a former employee and another forensic facility about bad drug testing.
The panel concluded that the APD crime lab committed no professional misconduct or negligence.
Forensics Division manager Bill Gibbens says the department feels vindicated by the findings.
“We’re trying to move on, get our business done and do what’s right for the city of Austin,” Gibbens said.
An separate investigation by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors also cleared the crime lab.
This isn’t the first time the lab has been accused of sloppy work. The Texas Rangers audited the DNA crime lab two years ago. That investigation also found no evidence of wrongdoing.
