County approves Armstrong Labs contract to address forensic backlog

Bexar County Commissioners Court on April 8 approved an amended agreement with Armstrong Forensic Laboratory to process high‑priority seized‑drug evidence, prepare discovery packages and provide courtroom testimony. County officials said Armstrong’s work will supplement the county crime lab while county hiring continues and will prioritize in‑custody and bond‑list cases.

Norma Greenfield Laborde, director of the Office of Criminal Justice, told the court the lab backlog was about 4,200 cases at the time of the hearing and the Armstrong agreement aims to address the most time‑sensitive portion. The County’s proposal estimated the vendor could work roughly 1,500 cases before the end of the fiscal year; the contract includes contingency for discovery packets and testimony if needed.

Crime lab managers said in‑custody casework already receives priority and the laboratory’s internal staffing has recently increased; the county reported nine analysts on the bench and continued recruitment. Commissioners emphasized that Armstrong will work to county priorities: in‑custody cases first, then bond‑list cases, and then at‑large matters.

The court approved the contract and a budget transfer to fund the work, and directed county staff to coordinate testimony logistics and chain‑of‑custody procedures between the district attorney’s office and Armstrong. The agreement is intended as a near‑term measure while the county fills analyst positions and completes internal upgrades.