In January 1994, the Crime Lab began accepting cases in its statewide DNA testing program. The DPS labs that currently provide Biology/DNA testing include Austin (two locations), Corpus Christi, El Paso, Garland, Houston, Laredo, Lubbock, Tyler, Waco, and Weslaco. The DPS statewide DNA program provides this service free of charge to those agencies not supported by city and/or county crime laboratories.
Scientists in the Biology/DNA section of the laboratory screen items of evidence that are submitted to the Crime Laboratory Division from crime scenes to locate possible sources of DNA on these items. DNA profiles can be developed from a variety of sources including blood stains, semen, tissue, saliva, and hair roots. During DNA analysis, a DNA profile is developed from crime scene samples and known reference samples collected directly from persons of interest. Profiles provide genetic information at up to 21 locations on the DNA chain and can also indicate if the profile originated from a male or female. The uniqueness of a DNA profile allows the scientist to make comparisons between DNA profiles obtained from crime scene evidence samples and known reference sample profiles. Under proper conditions, DNA analysis enables the lab to produce positive associations between individuals and evidence as well as eliminate individuals as having contributed DNA to the evidence. Profiles may also be entered into and searched in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) database.
Other DNA related links:
Statewide CODIS DNA Database Program Overview
Storage of Biological Evidence
Non-Reported Sexual Assault Evidence Program