The mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences(HCIFS) is to determine the cause and manner of death, to document and preserve evidence relating to the decedent in accordance with Article 49.25 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedures, and to provide unbiased expert witness testimony in a court of law. The HCIFS Forensic Laboratory provides the highest quality analytical support to our Medical Examiners, Harris County Law Enforcement and community agencies in a timely manner.

Dr. Luis A. Sanchez's vision for the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences:

• To provide consistent, quality death investigation and laboratory analysis for the benefit of the entire community.
  
• To create a technological strongpoint for all justice agencies in an effort to fight crime.
  
• To establish an academic environment for training in the field of Forensic Science.

    The HCIFS is a member institution of the Texas Medical Center since 1983.