A behind-the-scenes look at the DPS Crime Lab
Brandon Conrad, lab manager for the Department of Public Safety (DPS) crime lab in Amarillo, provided an in-depth look at the operations and challenges of the facility on Thursday, highlighting its crucial role in drug analysis for National Forensics Week. Under Conrad's leadership, the lab not only processes evidence but also ensures that its findings are precise, timely, and instrumental in supporting law enforcement efforts.
The role of the Amarillo DPS Crime Lab
At the Amarillo Crime Lab, meticulous processing of evidence is essential for maintaining public safety. The facility serves all law enforcement agencies across the top 26 counties in Texas, from Childress to Farwell, handling a wide array of evidence types. “Our main job is to provide law enforcement with accurate and timely analysis of drug evidence,” Conrad explained. Each item that enters the lab undergoes a comprehensive process, regardless of whether it originates from non-DPS agencies or DPS cases.
In the last fiscal year, the Amarillo lab processed nearly 2,200 cases, a diverse workload that spans from felony drug cases to misdemeanors. Methamphetamine consistently ranks as the most frequently submitted substance. While last year was relatively slow, the overall volume of cases has been rising steadily, with four months remaining in the fiscal year. “We handle a wide variety of substances, but methamphetamine and fentanyl are the most common,” Conrad noted.
The lab utilizes various vault locations based on the size and type of the evidence, ensuring efficient storage and handling. Once analyzed, evidence is either returned to the originating agencies or destroyed on site. The workflow includes several critical steps: receiving and securing evidence, conducting initial inspections, performing preliminary testing, and executing instrumental analysis. “We also have to be cautious with certain items like vape pens, which can have dangerous lithium batteries,” Conrad added. The lab has implemented procedures to handle these safely and avoid contamination, further enhancing its operational protocols.
Established in 1980 with a single chemist, the Amarillo Crime Lab has significantly evolved over the years. By 1986, the lab achieved accreditation to U.S. standards, and in 2007, it was upgraded to international standards. Today, the facility employs 10 professionals, including five chemists, three DNA analysts, a breath alcohol supervisor, and another forensic scientist. The current DPS Director, Steven McCraw, who was previously stationed in Amarillo, submitted the lab’s first case — a marijuana case — after beginning his career as a narcotics agent.
“Every day our crime labs across the state are doing extraordinary work,” McCraw said in a news release. “Without the expertise and commitment of these men and women, we would not be able to protect and preserve public safety in Texas. We owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to these individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes.”
Types of evidence processed
The lab deals with a wide range of substances, including methamphetamine, THC, and fentanyl. Fentanyl is particularly concerning due to its potency, often found in small quantities that pose serious risks. “Fentanyl tablets are dangerous because their contents can vary greatly. One tablet might contain a lethal dose while another might have less,” Conrad explained. THC is prevalent in various forms, including vape pens and cannabis in different plant substances. The lab also processes other drugs such as MDMA and cocaine, each presenting unique challenges in identification and analysis.
Upon arrival, evidence enters the lab’s computer system and is processed using various analytical methods:
Color Tests: Initial screening for substance identification.
Infrared Spectroscopy: Analyzes molecular bonds to identify compounds.
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS): Separates and identifies compounds within a sample.
These methods are crucial in ensuring that evidence is accurately analyzed. The lab employs advanced techniques to adapt to new drug trends and challenges. For instance, the increasing popularity of synthetic cannabinoids and new psychoactive substances requires ongoing training and updates to testing protocols. “We’re always learning and adjusting our methods to keep up with what’s out there,” Conrad noted.
Interagency work and specialization
While the Amarillo lab processes evidence for various law enforcement agencies, state-level drug cases are managed by DPS, while federal cases fall under the jurisdiction of the DEA. The next DPS lab, located in Lubbock, specializes in larger-scale forensic work, including DNA and firearms analysis. This interagency collaboration is vital for ensuring that all aspects of criminal investigations are thoroughly addressed.
The lab is committed to maintaining objectivity and providing unbiased scientific analysis. Unlike the dramatic portrayals often seen in movies, the lab's role is strictly analytical, with no direct interaction with suspects or investigative responsibilities. The professionals working in the lab are dedicated to ensuring that their work supports the judicial process while upholding the highest standards of scientific integrity.
Over the years, the lab has adapted to advances in technology, transitioning from darkroom techniques and microfilming to modern analytical methods. Instruments such as infrared spectroscopy and GC-MS are central to their operations, providing precise and reliable results.
As the landscape of drug-related crime continues to evolve, the Amarillo Crime Lab stands ready to meet these challenges head-on. The DPS crime lab in Amarillo serves as a critical hub for drug analysis and forensic science in the Texas Panhandle, ensuring justice is served in the community. “Our goal is to support law enforcement and ensure justice through thorough and reliable testing,” Conrad concluded.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo DPS Crime Lab gives behind-the-scenes look at testing work
