A premature end for HPD crime lab investigation?

Three months after the investigation into serious problems at HPD's crime lab was put on hold for lack of funding, not a lot has changed: The probe still isn't funded, and it looks like the city might not be willing to turn loose of the $1.5 million needed to complete it.

So far, investigator Michael Bromwich and his team have reviewed about 2,300 cases that involved DNA, serology, blood, drug and firearms tests at the crime lab. From those, the team found 93 cases with "major issues" in DNA or serology tests that raised doubts about lab analysts' conclusions and led the group to conclude there were "severe and pervasive problems" with the lab. Now it's seeking $1.5 million to finish reviewing serology tests, come up with recommendations on how to prevent problems in the future and compile a final report. And though HPD Chief Harold Hurtt supports finishing the probe, other HPD officials and some city councilmembers don't, and Mayor Bill White is sitting on the fence.

"Somehow, the shock value of (the scandal) has dissipated over time," said Michael Bromwich, a former U.S. Justice Department official overseeing the probe into problems that were first revealed in 2002.

"It's a troubling thought that there could have been a significant number of defendants in prison based on shoddy, inadequate and flawed serology work and that people are seemingly reluctant to find out the truth about their cases," Bromwich said Monday.

At first glance, letting Bromwich's team finish its investigation would seem like a no-brainer — but remember, we're dealing with the city here. Some officials, including HPD Executive Assistant Police Chief Martha Montalvo, say the fact that the crime lab got its accreditation back earlier this year negates the need for an investigation. Plus, Montalvo said, completing the investigation might not turn anything else up: "My question to Mr. Bromwich is, basically, 'What are you going to provide in that $1.5 million that we haven't already received?'" she said earlier this summer.

But there are those who support finishing the probe, including the city committee to which Bromwich's team reports and City Councilwoman Ada Edwards, who noted that just because a lab is accredited doesn't mean it can't have problems. And as the Chronicle reports, even Lee Kaplan, who bid against Bromwich for the contract to conduct the investigation, is in his corner: "Given the significant problems uncovered by this investigation, the amount requested is within reason and the importance to the entire community of completing an independent investigation is compelling," Kaplan wrote in a letter to White and councilmembers.

A vote on whether to continue the investigation could be held before the end of the month.