Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Director Dana Cataby outlines Austin Forensic Science Group: staffing, accreditations and caseload
Summary
Director Dana Cataby told the Public Safety Commission the Austin Forensic Science Group has 89 full‑time staff, multiple accredited laboratory sections, a 2024 average turnaround of 51 days for assault kits and a 2024 output that included more than 7,500 forensic reports and disposal of about 140,000 eligible evidence items.
Dr. Dana Cataby, director of the Austin Forensic Science Group, presented an overview of the department’s mission, organization, accredited sections and 2024 workload to the Public Safety Commission on Sept. 8.
Cataby said the laboratory’s mission is “to provide accurate and impartial scientific analysis and support services to the legal system while maintaining the highest level of quality and professionalism,” and summarized the department’s unofficial tagline as “truth through science.” She described the unit as a department within the city’s public safety group and said she reports to Assistant City Manager of Public Safety Eddie Garcia.
Organization and staff. Cataby said the laboratory employs 89 full‑time equivalents across operations and support functions. She described four managers who oversee operations, evidence control and the quality management system: Kim Frierson and Emily Esquivel (operations managers), James Gibbons (Evidence Control Manager) and Catherine Sanchez (Quality Management System and Information/Document Management).
Accredited laboratory sections. Cataby outlined key…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
