JEFFERSON COUNTY REGIONAL CRIME LABORATORY
Linda Johnson, Director
5030 Highway 69 South, Suite 500
Beaumont, TX 77705
Phone: 409-726-2577
Fax: 409-726-2576
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
“The mission
of the Jefferson County Regional Crime
Laboratory is to provide meaningful, timely, unbiased
and accurate forensic services to the community.”
The Jefferson County Regional Crime Laboratory is located in the administration building of the Jefferson County Correctional Facility and is accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board and the Texas Department of Public Safety. As a regional crime lab, the lab analyzes evidence for over 40 law enforcement agencies in Jefferson, Orange, Hardin and Chambers counties. Approximately 4,000 cases are submitted to the lab each year. The laboratory has a full time staff of 12 people and is accredited in the disciplines of Controlled Substances, Serology (Biology only), Toxicology (Blood Alcohol Only), and Firearms (IBIS entry only). In addition to these disciplines, forensic scientists assist law enforcement agencies at crime scenes, provide training, testify in court, and provide technical supervision for Jefferson County’s breath alcohol testing program.
Forensic Scientists employed by the lab are involved with a number of professional organizations, including:
Southwestern Association of Forensic Scientists
International Association for Chemical Testing
Alcohol Testing Alliance
Southwestern Association of Toxicologists
Association for Forensic Quality Assurance Managers
American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors
To find out more about the various aspects of the Jefferson County Regional Crime Lab, please click on one of the links below:
Controlled Substances
Serology
Toxicology
Firearms
Crime Scenes
Employment/Internships
Forensic Science Careers
Over 60% percent of all cases submitted to the laboratory are for the analysis of controlled substances. Most of these cases involve the possession or distribution of substances such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine and prescription medications. The amounts of these drugs may range from residual amounts to hundreds of pounds. Scientists in this section perform a wide range of analyses on these substances ranging from simple color tests to highly sophisticated techniques such as gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy.
The
scientists in the serology section focus on the detection and identification
of bodily fluids. Cases in which this type of analysis is requested typically
include homicide, sexual assault and burglary. These fluids can be detected
by visual and tactile searches as well as using more refined techniques
such as alternative light sources and fluorescent chemical testing. Once
a potential deposit of fluid is detected, it is documented and preliminary
testing is performed. Further testing may then be performed to indicate
the presence of that particular body fluid. Samples that require DNA analysis
will be forwarded to a laboratory with those capabilities.
The
toxicology section of the lab handles cases that are alcohol related.
These types of cases include DWI, intoxication manslaughter and sexual
assault. The two types of evidence that this unit deals with are breath
and blood. This section technically supervises the breath alcohol testing
program of the county, which involves maintaining the Intoxilyzer instruments
in the jail and supervising the officers that are certified to use them.
These scientists also analyze blood specimens for alcohol content using
a gas chromatograph with flame ionization detectors.
The
firearms unit of the lab analyzes various types of evidence related to
gun crimes. These include cartridge casings, projectiles, and the firearms
themselves. The types of crimes associated with firearms evidence typically
include homicides, robberies, drug-related crime, and suspected gang activity.
The crime lab has a large water tank into which guns can be fired to retrieve
test fired bullets. Submitted evidence and/or collected test fires can
then be entered into the Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS)
for comparison to other cases entered across the country. This unit also
performs serial number restoration on firearms in which a suspect has
attempted to remove the serial number.
Forensic
scientists at the crime lab are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
to assist any agency in our service area with the collection of evidence
at crime scenes. The scientists can be reached by contacting the Jefferson
County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher.
An
individual seeking employment as a forensic scientist at the crime lab
must meet several requirements. One must possess a bachelor’s degree
or higher in forensic science, criminalistics or a natural science, and
must essentially have 20 hours in college chemistry. Laboratory skills
and experience are an essential requirement. One must also complete the
Sheriff’s Office entry requirements which include a background check,
polygraph and drug screen. More information on the hiring process can
be found here. Unpaid internships are
also available through Lamar University and potential interns must meet
essentially the same requirements for potential employees of the Sheriff’s
Office.
The crime lab receives numerous inquiries about the duties and responsibilities of forensic scientists. The links below will provide access to a wealth of material, including information on the various disciplines in forensic science, employment opportunities, and educational programs as well as links to other crime laboratories.
American Academy of Forensic Sciences
Southwestern Association of Forensic Sciences
