Texas Judicial

Branch

Texas Forensic Science Commission

Submit a Self-Disclosure 

You may submit your information via the downloadable Lab Disclosure Form or the online form below.

The Texas Forensic Science Commission (“FSC”) is legislatively mandated to require crime laboratories that conduct forensic analyses to report professional negligence or professional misconduct to the Commission. (See Tex. Code Crim. Proc. 38.01 as amended by Tex. S.B. 1238, 83rd Leg., R.S. (2013)).

Please keep in mind that the FSC investigates matters subject to its statutory authority only. The term “forensic analysis” includes any medical, chemical, toxicological, ballistic, or other examination or test performed on physical evidence, including DNA evidence, for the purpose of determining the connection of the evidence to a criminal action. The term does not include the portion of an autopsy conducted by a medical examiner or other forensic pathologist who is a licensed physician. The term “crime laboratory” is defined in Article 38.35 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure to include “a public or private laboratory or other entity that conducts a forensic analysis subject to this article.”

The FSC will examine the details of your disclosure to determine what level of review to perform, if any. All disclosures are taken seriously. Because of the complex nature and number of complaints and disclosures received by the FSC, we cannot give you any specific date by which that review may be completed. However, we aim to resolve all disclosures in a timely and expeditious manner, and to minimize disruption in the laboratory.

The Commission’s statute allows it to withhold from disclosure information submitted in the context of an investigation but only until the final report is released. Upon release of the final report, all information provided to the Commission is subject to disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act (“PIA”) (Texas Government Code Chapter 552).

IMPORTANT: If your disclosure involves a pending criminal matter(s), please be sure to indicate that on the form below because certain PIA exceptions may apply.

Person Completing this Form
Subject of Disclosure
List the full name, address of the laboratory, facility or individual that is the subject of this disclosure.














If you're unsure, you may enter a type of analysis here, and we'll determine if it matches any in our jurisdiction.
(if known)


Witnesses

Provide the following about any person with factual knowledge or expertise regarding the facts of the disclosure. Attach separate sheet(s), if necessary.

First Witness (if any)
Second Witness (if any)
Third Witness (if any)
Description of Disclosure
See _______________ for guidance on what information should be disclosed to the Commission.
Description of Corrective Action
Describe any corrective actions or corrective action plans the laboratory has developed to address the issues discussed in this disclosure. Please attach copies of the actions taken and/or future corrective plan to this disclosure form. Please let the Commission know if any other agencies (e.g., Texas Rangers, local district attorney, Inspector General’s Office, etc.) are also conducting an investigation of the matter in question. If possible, provide a contact name and phone number for the individual responsible for any other investigation(s).
Exhibits and Attachment(s)

Whenever possible, disclosures should be accompanied by readable copies of any laboratory reports, relevant witness testimony, affidavits of experts about the forensic analysis, or other documents related to your disclosure. Please list and attach any documents that might assist the Commission in evaluating the disclosure.

Files must be less than 64 MB. Allowed file types: gif jpg png tif txt pdf doc docx ppt xls xlsx.

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Digital Signature and Verification
I certify that the statements made by me in this complaint are true. I also certify that any documents or exhibits attached are true and correct copies, to the best of my knowledge.

Type your name to sign this form.