The Scientific Director is the manager of the Breath Alcohol Laboratory (BAL) as well as the individual responsible for the implementation, administration and enforcement of the Texas Breath Alcohol Testing Regulations. In as much, the Office of the Scientific Director evaluates breath alcohol instrumentation to determine its appropriateness for forensic breath alcohol analysis, devises and validates evidential test methodologies for approval in forensic breath alcohol testing, directly manages the Department’s forensic scientist Technical Supervisors, provides scientific expertise in forensic alcohol testing to various bodies including the Texas Legislature, and provides regulatory oversight for forensic scientist Technical Supervisors, evidential breath alcohol test programs, and breath test operator schools operating outside the DPS Crime Laboratory System.

The Scientific Director certifies qualified forensic scientists as Technical Supervisors. The primary function of the Technical Supervisor is to provide technical, administrative and supervisory expertise in safeguarding the scientific integrity of the breath alcohol testing program and to ensure the breath alcohol testing program’s acceptability for evidential purposes . The Technical Supervisor, in matters pertaining to breath alcohol testing, is the field agent of the Scientific Director.

• Technical Supervisor Directory (PDF)
• Technical Supervisor - County Cross Reference (PDF)

The Scientific Director evaluates breath alcohol test instrumentation to determine its fitness for purpose. If a device satisfactorily complies with the Regulations and meets the criteria of the Scientific Director, it is added to a list of approved instruments by instrument brand and or model designation. The technical supervisor shall determine if a specific instrument by serial number is of the same manufacturer brand or model designation as is shown on the scientific director's approved list and meets the criteria for certification as stated in the Breath Alcohol Testing Regulations and when required, shall provide direct testimony or affidavit of this information.

Visit the DPS Regulatory Services Division – Ignition Interlock page for applications and information about ignition interlock vendor licensing or ignition interlock device model approval.

The Office of the Scientific Director has developed comprehensive training standards and curricula for the certification of individuals conducting evidential breath alcohol analyses for law enforcement purposes. The Scientific Director approves these courses of instruction. Prior to certification, persons seeking such training must establish proof of participation in a breath test program meeting the requirements of the Regulations. Therefore, individuals desiring to undertake such training are encouraged to contact the Technical Supervisor within their jurisdiction prior to seeking enrollment in an approved operator course. Use the links below to determine the Technical Supervisor supporting evidential testing in different areas of the state.

• Technical Supervisor Directory (PDF)
• Technical Supervisor - County Cross Reference (PDF)

The Office of the Scientific Director has developed standardized calibration processes for evidential breath alcohol test instruments used in Texas. These calibration processes utilize certified reference materials (CRMs) which are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology. In 2013, the Breath Alcohol Laboratory was accredited using the ISO 17025:2005 standards for calibration laboratories. Every aspect of the laboratory’s operations related to the calibration of breath alcohol instrumentation and the production of certified reference materials was carefully reviewed and assessed for compliance with the ISO standard. The Breath Alcohol Laboratory is the largest laboratory in the nation to provide such services on a statewide level.