Dallas Police Department addresses missing crime scene sketches from 2016 to 2020

A significant motion was passed during the Forensic Science Commission Quarterly Meeting on April 11, 2025, addressing critical issues within the Dallas Police Department Crime Lab. The meeting highlighted the discovery of 58 missing crime scene sketches, primarily related to homicide cases, dating back to 2016-2020. This alarming finding came to light following the unexpected passing of a crime scene investigator in November 2024, prompting a review of office materials.

The Dallas County attorney's office conducted an audit of the lab's operations, revealing a lack of an electronic case tracking system and no established time frame for completing reports. These deficiencies raised concerns about the lab's ability to manage and document crime scene investigations effectively. However, the audit concluded with no additional findings beyond the initial issues.

In response to these challenges, the lab has requested budgetary support for additional administrative staff, including privacy analysts and supervisors, to enhance their operational capacity. The commission ultimately decided to take no further action, as the lab's staff presented a plan to address the identified personnel issues.

The meeting underscored the importance of proper case management in forensic science, with the commission emphasizing the need for improved tracking processes to prevent similar oversights in the future. The decision to refrain from further action reflects confidence in the lab's commitment to rectifying its internal processes and ensuring accountability in handling critical evidence.