Welcome to the Houston Forensic Science Center (HFSC)
HFSC is an independent local government corporation that provides forensic services to the City of Houston’s law enforcement agency, the Houston Police Department. HFSC welcomes you to explore our forensic services, learn more about what we do, investigate employment opportunities or contact us.
HFSC at a Glance
AVERAGE Time to Report Common Requests1,2 (Updated: 11/5/2025)
1 Priority assignment for cases is determined in collaboration with other stakeholders and weighing the risks and benefits for that request with other pending requests. Requests for prioritization can be made in the Request Portal.
2 Times reflect typical expected time from request to report for cases that do not have a court date, investigative priority, urgent public safety risk.
Seized Drugs
In-Jail Cases: 25 days
Marijuana Cases: 59 days
Other Cases: 135 Days
Toxicology
Blood Alcohol Only: 28 days
Alcohol & Drug Cases: 269 days
DNA
Sexual Assault Kits (SAK): 96 days
Firearm Examinations
Comparison Cases: 325 days
Latent Prints
Comparison Cases: 43 days
Cell Phones
Homicide With Phone Unlocked*: 7 days
*If unlocking is needed, time will vary greatly.
HFSC Executive Team
CEO/President
Amy Castillo, PH.D.
COO/Vice President
Carina Haynes, CSCSA
Crime Scene Unit Director
Preshious Rearden, PH.D.
Director of Research, Technology, and Development