by Hermelinda ZamarripaPolice Open Forensics Center
Last month, the Austin Police Department (APD) formally welcomed the public to its newest facility, the East Substation and Robert Martinez, Sr. Forensics Center. Located at 812 Springdale Road, the building offers a state-of-the-art facility that will help APD personnel to test, analyze and solve crimes.
The 75,000 square foot building houses the East Substation on the north and the Forensics Science Facility on the south. It also features a detached garage, where vehicles can be brought in for detailed scientific examination. The garage comes equipped with special lights, chemicals and equipment used to detect minute items, such as fibers and hairs. In addition, the Center features the latest technology in the forensic field. The East Substation is separate from the Forensic Center, and the Central East Command or Charlie Sector reports to this location.
Bonds approved by voters in 1998 led to the building of the new facility. The forensic center is named after Robert Martinez Sr., a retired 30-year veteran of the force, who is known as APD's most decorated officer. He died of cancer last November, and is buried next to his son Officer Robert Martinez, Jr., who died in the line of duty in 1989.
As for crime-related news closer to home, a resident reported finding a gym bag by 42nd and Duval. Fortunately, she was able to locate the owner and return the contents to its rightful owner. Other reported incidents of theft include an incident in the 4300 block
More serious encounters occurred on April 3 where an assault by threat was reported in the 4300 block of Avenue H, and an assault with injury happened April 23 in the 4700 block of Eilers Avenue.
| -- | Hermelinda Zamarripa Community Liaison, Office of the Police Monitor hermelinda.zamarripa@ci.austin.tx.us 974-9097 |
