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BRIEF: And today, Houston Police chief Clarence Bradford today fought accusations that he failed to address problems with the crime lab's DNA section. Bradford released records of his efforts to fix problems at the lab, including a memo documenting a 1997 meeting with top police officials following an audit that showed problems with oversight and handling of DNA evidence. The memo noted the crime lab had instituted new procedures and installed a new supervisor. "When you look at the correspondence, you can see that I approved a plan of action," Bradford said. "Those things were not done ...relied on my division managers. I relied on my assistant chief that these things were taken care of." An external audit in December revealed serious deficiencies, including a lack of training for analysts, insufficient documentation by workers, possible mishandling of DNA samples and a leaky roof that might have contaminated evidence. This week a number of city council members and the police union president called for an explanation or the chief's resignation. Bradford says it will be up to Mayor Lee Brown to decide if he should resign. Brown reiterated his support of Bradford, saying confidence lost in the department would be restored in time. Renee Feltz, KPFT News, Houston. E-mail Renee Feltz at chickpea_@ziplip.com . This story was broadcast on June 20, 2003. |