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September 29, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Ramit Plushnick-Masti
Public Information Officer
media@houstonforensicscience.org
713-929-6768
The Houston Forensic Science Center (HFSC) has been awarded a $1.26 million grant from the
National Institute of Justice that will be used in part to buy additional DNA analyzing equipment.
This equipment will enhance the Center’s capabilities, allowing it to process evidence more
quickly and efficiently.
The money will also be used to train staff on the latest trends and technology in the field.
“The beautiful thing about this grant is that it enables us to stay abreast of the latest trends and
provides money to do things that the lab might not otherwise be able to do at this time,” said
Robin Guidry, HFSC’s DNA Technical Leader.
This is the first grant HFSC has been awarded since it assumed responsibility for the forensic
operations that were previously managed by the Houston Police Department.
“The National Institute of Justice is an important partner in ensuring that the crime lab remains
on the cutting edge of forensic science, a crucial component in keeping Houston residents safe,”
said Irma Rios, the head of HFSC’s forensic division.
The lab formerly known as the Houston Police Department Crime Lab, has been managed by
Houston Forensic Science Center, Inc., since April 3, 2014.
HFSC is overseen by a Board of Directors appointed by the Mayor of Houston and approved by
the Houston City Council. HFSC oversees and manages the independent forensic laboratory that
includes what was previously the HPD’s Crime Lab and Crime Scene Unit. HFSC currently
operates in eight forensic disciplines and is expanding.
Further information regarding HFSC is available at hfsctx.gov.