Brazos County commissioners approved a new forensic lab technician position at its June 9 meeting, another milestone as the county prepares to open its first medical examiner’s office later this year.
The position, approved without discussion as part of the court’s consent agenda, will support doctors performing postmortem examinations and autopsies while helping operate the county’s new forensic services division.
About the position
According to county documents, the forensic lab technician will help with a wide range of duties, including receiving and documenting the deceased, collecting evidence, preparing toxicology, processing X-rays, maintaining chain-of-custody records and assisting during autopsies.
The technician will also help release bodies to funeral homes, maintain morgue equipment and supplies, and participate in on-call rotations for weekends and holidays.
Agenda material say the position requires at least one year of laboratory experience and a bachelor’s degree in biology is preferred.
The context
The approval represents another step in the county’s effort to establish its own medical examiner operation, a move local officials have discussed for years as Brazos County continues to grow.
Commissioners previously approved salaries and staffing plans for the office. The addition of a forensic lab technician will fill a key operational role for daily autopsy and evidence-processing work once the office becomes operational.
The county is expected to launch the new medical examiner’s office this summer.
According to Vaughn Construction, the 22,000-square-foot building will serve Brazos County as well as counties within a 100-mile radius. In the past, authorities have had to send the deceased to Travis County.
Also on the agenda
- CHIRP update: Commissioners approved a wire transfer of up to $22 million to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for the Comprehensive Hospital Increase Reimbursement Program, which helps fund increased Medicaid payments to participating hospitals.
- Comcast and Brazos WiFi: The court approved multiple utility permits allowing Comcast and Brazos WiFi to expand fiber and broadband infrastructure in several county precincts.
- Property purchase: Commissioners approved the purchase of a $2.4 million property near the Brazos County Detention Center, saying the site could support future expansion as the county continues to grow.
Get involved
Commissioners Court will meet again at 10 a.m. June 23 at the Brazos County Administration Building.
