DPS recognize National Forensic Week

WESLACO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Public Safety hosted an open house for a crime lab Wednesday in recognition of National Forensic Science Week.

DPS is honoring the week by recognizing forensic science and its contribution to the criminal justice system.

"It's extremely important that we have a DPS crime lab," said Sergeant Maria Hernandez, a spokesperson for DPS.

The crime lab at the DPS Regional Office in Weslaco allows agencies to gather, process and examine evidence that can be used in the court of law.

"Our main cases here in this area are drugs. That is followed by blood to see the alcohol concentration in the person's system and the third one would be the submission of the DNA," Hernandez continued.

Hernandez encourages people who are interested in growth and improvement in the forensic field to join DPS to learn more.

This year, National Forensic Science Week is recognized starting September 15 through September 21.