ifs.harriscountytx.govInstitute of Forensic Sciences Home

Institute of Forensic SciencesHome Home AboutMission History Chief Medical Examiner Oath of Office Accreditations Academic Affiliations Society Memberships Career Opportunities Family ServicesAutopsy Reports Unidentified Persons Victim’s Assistance Professional TrainingConferences & Trainings for Professionals ​Fellowship Opportunities Internships Pathology Education & Training Learning CenterAnswers to Frequently Asked Questions Case Status Evidence Submission & Testing Annual Reports Community Commitment DNA Collection Guide Family Information Brochure Glossary Publications & Peer-Reviewed Journals ​Scientific Presentations OrganizationOrganization Structure Medical Examiner Services Crime Laboratory Services Quality Management Administration NewsroomMedia Relations ​In The News Contact UsContact Information Map & Directions Satisfaction Survey Careers Home About Mission History Chief Medical Examiner Oath of Office Accreditations Academic Affiliations Society Memberships Career Opportunities Family Services Autopsy Reports Unidentified Persons Victim’s Assistance Professional Training Conferences & Trainings for Professionals ​Fellowship Opportunities Internships Pathology Education & Training Learning Center Answers to Frequently Asked Questions Case Status Evidence Submission & Testing Annual Reports Community Commitment DNA Collection Guide Family Information Brochure Glossary Publications & Peer-Reviewed Journals ​Scientific Presentations Organization Organization Structure Medical Examiner Services Crime Laboratory Services Quality Management Administration Newsroom Media Relations ​In The News Contact Us Contact Information Map & Directions Satisfaction Survey Careers TIFS 20242022 Annual Report NOTABLE CRIME LABORATORY METRICS 2024 (YTD as of March 1, 2024) The turnaround times listed describe the length of time between evidence submission to report completion (not analytical turnaround time, which is even shorter). Seized Drugs Jail priority cases (defendant currently in jail): 10 days average turnaround time (TAT) Bond cases (defendant was released on bond): 14 days TAT No arrest cases (no arrest has been made): 13 days TAT Firearms Comparison cases: 30 days TAT Non-comparison cases: 15 days TAT 55% of all cases completed in less than 30 days DNA Sexual assault cases: 75 days TAT Homicide cases: 88 days TAT Toxicology DWI alcohol cases: 30 days TAT DWI alcohol + drug cases: 60 days TAT Trace Gunshot residue cases:: 50 days TAT 21,704 cases were submitted to the crime lab in 2023 by 84 agencies. All testing performed in-house (not outsourced). Evidence Submission & Testing Search Unidentified Persons Check Case Status Request an Autopsy Report Contact Information for Families Mission: To provide medical examiner and crime laboratory services of the highest quality in an unbiased manner with uncompromised integrity. Who we are, and what we do: The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is a science-based, independent operation comprised of two distinct forensic services for the Harris County community – the Medical Examiner Service and the Crime Laboratory Service. The Medical Examiner Service investigates sudden death and deaths resulting from physical or chemical injury in order to determine cause and manner of death and to preserve evidence. The service encompasses the fields of Forensic Investigations, Forensic Pathology and Morgue Services, Forensic Anthropology, Forensic Imaging, and Histology. The Crime Laboratory Service analyzes evidence and includes five distinct disciplines: Drug Chemistry, Firearms Identification, Forensic Genetics (serology/DNA), Forensic Toxicology and Trace Evidence. While each service has its own objectives, all of these disciplines work collaboratively, and are jointly dedicated to servicing the needs of the Harris County community and the justice system. Learn more about the Institute: Contact Information (New email address for subpoenas) Family Services Medical Examiner Jurisdiction The Learning Center Opinion by the County Attorney Regarding the Oath of Office Accredited by 7 Forensic Science accrediting organizations, and a member institution of the Texas Medical Center since 1983. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences complies with the Texas Public Information Act (formerly the Open Records Act) which allows the public the right to request access to non-confidential, governmental information. Contact Us Subpoenas: IFSSubpoenas@ifs.hctx.net Administrative Services: (832) 927-5004 IFSAdministrativeServices@ifs.hctx.net Family Liaison Team: (832) 927-5006 Victim’s Assistance: (832) 927-5007 Main phone number: (832) 927-5000 Links Contact Information for Families Evidence Unidentified Persons Case Status Autopsy...