The Department of Public Safety Crime Laboratory started as a one-chemist operation established in 1937 at Austin's Camp Mabry. Since then, it has developed into a comprehensive forensic laboratory system with labs at 16 different locations across the state of Texas.

Standard areas of analysis include:

Trace evidence (i.e., hair, fibers, paint, glass, gunshot residue, impressions, fire debris, etc.)
Biology/DNA
Digital/multimedia evidence
Firearms and toolmarks
Friction ridge analysis
Forensic documents
Seized drugs
Toxicology

These services are provided at various laboratory locations around the state which are strategically located for optimal access and support to the criminal justice community.

Our support of investigative capabilities are further enhanced by the integration and exchange of local, state, regional, and national information via individualizing databases, including the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) and the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).

The Crime Laboratory also includes the Breath Alcohol Laboratory (BAL) and its Office of the Scientific Director (OSD). The BAL and OSD are legislatively charged with administering a statewide judicially acceptable forensic breath alcohol test program for the Crime Laboratory and for programs operating outside of the DPS Crime Laboratory System.