New Mexico’s State Forensic Lab has undergone a significant upgrade, receiving a $29 million investment to enhance its capabilities in solving crimes more efficiently. The new 44,000-square-foot facility in Santa Fe will allow the Department of Public Safety to triple its capacity for processing evidence, including firearm testing, DNA analysis, and fingerprint examination. The upgraded laboratory will also house approximately 1,000 reference guns, 400 more than the current facility can accommodate.
The state’s Governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham, believes that these improvements will yield better results in public safety. With faster work and more crimes being solved, the investment will benefit the taxpayers of New Mexico. The project was initially funded by the Legislature in 2019, demonstrating their commitment to strengthening the state’s law enforcement capabilities.
While the new facility is significantly larger than its predecessor, staffing the forensic lab presents its own set of challenges. Laboratory Director Katharina Babcock explained that recruiting forensic scientists is a difficult task due to the specialized nature of the work. While the new facility is expected to aid in recruitment efforts, it will take time to fill the additional roles. Currently, the lab employs around 30 people, but the new building will support a staff of 50.
The previous forensic laboratory was retrofitted from an office building at the Department of Public Safety’s headquarters and is now outdated after almost 50 years of use. Moving into a purpose-built facility specifically designed for forensic work will make a world of difference in terms of efficiency and effectiveness, according to Babcock.
The Forensic Laboratory Bureau, responsible for three laboratory locations across the state, has faced criticism in recent years for backlogs of evidence, particularly in sexual assault cases. However, Babcock mentioned that the bureau currently maintains relatively low backlogs in most areas of analysis. The goal is always to maintain the lowest possible backlog without sacrificing quality. In the last fiscal year, the bureau received 18,664 items of evidence for analysis from 6,641 cases.
The upgraded facility is expected to have a significant impact on law enforcement agencies. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza explained that a more efficient laboratory will result in quicker reports, allowing his agency to make informed decisions regarding suspects and evidence. This faster turnaround time will benefit everyone involved in the judicial system, including victims, suspects, and law enforcement officials.
The investment in the state’s forensic lab highlights the commitment of New Mexico to public safety and its desire to build a stronger Department of Public Safety. The upgraded facility and increased capacity will allow for more efficient crime-solving and serve as a valuable tool in the fight against crime in the state.
