Media Relations

Harris County Institute of Forensic Science’s Media Relations is the agency’s representative to local, regional, national and international media organizations. The Institute strives to be responsive within the guidelines established by the Open Records Act/Texas Public Information Act, Government Code Chapter 552.

The PIO is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with the exception of county holidays.

In the event that you require assistance after business hours, on weekends or on a holiday, you may check the status of a case using the Institute’s Case Status tool and the case number or name of the deceased individual.

Interview Requests

To request an interview with any of the Institute's subject-matter experts, contact the Media Relations office to place your request. As part of your request, include your name, media organization, contact information, purpose of interview and deadline and/or requested timing of interview.

Access Rules

The agency’s Public Information Officer (or designee) must be with members of the media in order to be present and working on site. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences reserves the right to deny media entrance into its facilities if media presence will be disruptive to the operation of the agency. Due to the sensitive nature of our work, access into restricted areas of the facilities, which includes laboratory areas, is expressly prohibited.

Public Information Requests

Submit your Texas Public Information Act requests in writing to: IFSPIO@ifs.hctx.net