GPD highlights forensic accreditation and lists capital needs; crime lab HVAC repair deferred

GPD officials reported on Feb. 10 that the Forensic Science Bureau has attained international accreditation across multiple disciplines but is constrained by staffing and infrastructure limits. "With a current staffing level of only 15 personnel, we are forced into a reactive posture," the testimony states.

GPD described FSB performance goals including a 60-minute target response time for crime-scene arrival and evidence storage management; leaders warned that low staffing prevents proactive forensic examinations that may generate new leads. The department also said it is unable to perform HVAC maintenance at the Gregorio Perez crime lab and that a full replacement has been put forward again in the FY27 budget request. Administrative testimony said projections through September 30 would not permit funding the HVAC repair from FY26 allotments.

GPD listed capital projects and equipment requests in written testimony: evidence-control facility, Talfoffo and Jigo substations, an emergency communications center, a land-mobile-radio upgrade, additional patrol vehicles, life jacket loaner stations, ballistic vests, body-worn cameras, crime-scene response vehicles, a DUI van and an armored vehicle. The department said 42 patrol vehicles were recently received from a supplier.

What happens next: the committee asked for updated project schedules and confirmed that the Fallen Officers Memorial continued with FY26 general-fund support while carryover issues were resolved. GPD also said many general orders (including body-worn camera rules) are pending AG review and will undergo three public hearings before final legislative consideration.