A New Era of Justice: Travis County Unveils State-of-the-Art Forensic Center

Travis County has officially opened the doors to its cutting-edge, 100,000-square-foot Forensic Center, marking a significant leap forward in local investigative capabilities and victim support. Located in the Montopolis neighborhood on Metropolis Drive, this impressive new facility replaces a severely outdated and undersized building that had served the community since 1989.

For years, the dedicated professionals of the Travis County Medical Examiner's Office operated out of a cramped 20,000-square-foot facility, with many staff members forced to work from temporary trailers due to lack of space.

The limitations of the old center extended beyond mere square footage; it lacked crucial infrastructure, including a dedicated area for victim services, making an already difficult time even more challenging for grieving families.

The $67 million investment in this new forensic center addresses these critical deficiencies head-on.

Designed with both efficiency and compassion in mind, the facility boasts a larger, more advanced autopsy suite, equipped with state-of-the-art technology to facilitate thorough and accurate examinations. Beyond the morgue, the center features significantly expanded and modernized laboratory spaces dedicated to toxicology, DNA analysis, ballistics, and other crucial forensic disciplines, ensuring that investigators have the tools they need to solve complex cases.

Perhaps one of the most impactful improvements is the inclusion of a dedicated victim services area.

This private, respectful space offers families the solitude and support they need during the difficult process of identifying loved ones and understanding the circumstances of their death, a stark contrast to the makeshift arrangements of the past. Travis County Medical Examiner Dr. Meena Loveless emphasized that this new center is a testament to the community's commitment to supporting victims and their families while enhancing the pursuit of justice.

The facility also incorporates improved evidence storage systems, safeguarding vital clues, and its design allows for future expansion, anticipating the growing needs of Travis County.

Commissioner Susana Almanza highlighted the profound importance of this center to the entire community, underscoring its role in ensuring safety and delivering closure. With construction commencing in 2019, the vision for a more robust and humane forensic investigation system has now come to fruition, ushering in a new era of forensic science for Travis County.