The news of Houston’s rape kit backlog has been widespread and public outrage at the delays has even resulted in the state bringing in independent researchers to help speed up the process. But now new reports have emerged saying the Houston PD is lagging on their forensic testing of gun evidence as well.
The Houston Chronicle has reported that over 300 guns are waiting to be tested as well. The lab director has defended her team by explaining that new staff members are on the way and that in a little over a year, robotics will help speed up the testing process even more. She says their current priorities are crimes that involved violence and crimes where suspects have already been identified.
Houston criminal lawyers seem to agree that while the backlog is disappointing, the police department has set its priorities right, as testing evidence in cases with suspects can help reduce the number of persons wrongly charged and arrested for crimes.
Image via Svadilfari [Flickr]