NSP expanding crime lab to keep up with growing demand

Project will cost $26M

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN)– The Nebraska State Patrol is working to keep our state safer by expanding its crime lab.  Wednesday it broke ground on the $26 million project.

The existing crime lab, off Air Park Road,will increase from 31,000 square feet to 59,000 square feet.

NSP said since the crime lab opened eight years ago, work has increased 23-percent.  The expansion will help them run more tests at one time, it won’t speed up the time it takes to do the tests.

Colonel John Bolduc said the forensic team members working in the lab, are the real heroes.

“Every day they are in there working behind the scenes diligently to get through these cases,” Col. Bolduc said. “Processing whether it be DNA, toxicology or other physical evidence that helps us prosecute cases successfully.”

The NSP Crime Lab currently receives approximately 5,000 case submissions per year.

“The work these scientists do is on display in criminal prosecutions that occur throughout the entire state,” Jason Linder, NSP Crime Lab Director said. “Since 2015, the lab has seen a 23 percent increase in overall caseload submissions, including a 90 percent increase in cases involving DNA testing. This expansion will help us meet the demands for today and be prepared for the future.”

NSP is adding four new forensic team members.  The expansion is expected to take about two years to complete.