Houston Police Dept. Shuts 2nd Crime Lab Section
The Houston Police Department closed the toxicology section of its troubled crime lab Wednesday after a toxicologist failed a competency test.
It’s the second section of the police lab to be shut since an outside audit 10 months ago revealed significant deficiencies within its DNA section. The lab has six sections.
Acting Police Chief Joe Breshears said Pauline Louie, who had supervised the toxicology section for three years, was suspended with pay pending an internal affairs investigation. He declined to detail the duties Louie was found incompetent to perform.
The toxicology section tests blood and urine for alcohol and drugs. It was unclear how many cases could be affected, Breshears said.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
