HOUSTON -- Houston Police Chief Harold Hurtt addressed concerns on Thursday about a trip to London for the crime lab that cost taxpayers thousands of dollars, KPRC Local 2 reported.

HPD is rebuilding its scandal-plagued DNA lab. That's the reason Hurtt said he and three staff members flew to London earlier this month at a cost of more than $14,000.

Some critics questioned the expense and the need for the trip.

"I think you would be hard-pressed to defend this in a cross-examination debate with a group of taxpayers," said George Scott, the former director of the Tax Research Association.

The chief insisted that it was not a pleasure trip. He said the visit was strictly business.

"We have to be able to do this right where people have confidence," Hurtt said.

Hurtt went to London to look at a DNA laboratory operated by Forensic Sciences Services, a state-of-the-art lab that the chief said can process more DNA samples faster and more accurately than any in the U.S.

"This is the vision that I have for the Houston Police Department's DNA lab," Hurtt said.

The department is considering it as a template for HPD's lab, which was shut down amid revelations of poor management and flawed results that led to the release of three men who were wrongfully convicted.

Hurtt said it was important that he and top lab managers see the operation firsthand.

"Bottom line, I'm the chief of the Houston Police Department. The crime lab is in the Houston Police Department. I'm responsible to see that it's successful," Hurtt said.

As a result of the trip, the chief said negotiations are now under way to hire London-based consultants. He said there would be an announcement next month.