During the recent Houston Forensic Science Center Board of Directors meeting, a significant focus was placed on enhancing the firearms examination capabilities within the center. The board discussed plans to add three new firearms examiners, which is a crucial step toward addressing the growing demand for forensic analysis in the community. However, officials cautioned that while these positions will be filled, it will take approximately two years for the new hires to become fully trained and operational.

Currently, the center has five firearms examiners in various stages of training, with a goal of reaching a total of twelve certified examiners. The addition of the three new positions is expected to help the center meet its targets, although the earliest any of the new examiners will be productive is still several months away.

In addition to staffing, the board also addressed the need for updates to IT equipment, which is essential for maintaining efficient operations. The discussions highlighted the center's commitment to managing risks and ensuring that forensic services can meet the needs of law enforcement and the community effectively.

Overall, the meeting underscored the center's ongoing efforts to strengthen its forensic capabilities, which are vital for public safety and justice in Houston. As the center works towards these goals, residents can expect improvements in the timeliness and quality of forensic analysis in the coming years.