ANNAPOLIS, MD (December 14, 2000) - With crime prevention as one of his top priorities, Governor Parris N. Glendening announced Board of Public Works approval of a $1.43 million design contract for the new Maryland State Police Crime Laboratory to be constructed in Pikesville.
"Our State Police require modern equipment and facilities to be able to solve cases effectively and efficiently," said Governor Glendening. "The technicians have a long-standing history of excellent crime lab work, however, this new lab will provide a full range of services including DNA and firearm analysis. This is another step in making Maryland a safer place to live."
The 54,000 gross square-foot crime lab will be a one-story building that will be designed to allow for 100 percent expansion of the laboratory space. The facility, to be located on 12 acres of land on Dreher Avenue between Reisterstown Road and Milford Mill Road, will house 100 technicians and administrators. The project includes parking for 120 vehicles.
The new facility will be the primary evidence analysis laboratory for the Maryland State Police and will also provide services for other Maryland law enforcement agencies. Along with serological and DNA analysis and drug testing, the lab will house the Firearms and Toolmarks Unit which provides analysis of firearms, cartridge casings, and bullets. The unit is responsible for maintaining the firearms data base which is required for each of the 30,000 handguns sold in the State each year.
Additionally, the laboratory is also responsible for the storage of evidence requiring analysis and insuring that the chain of custody is documented for evidence to be used in court.
The new crime lab will replace the current 24,000 square foot lab at Sudbrook Lane and Reisterstown Road which is too small to meet the increased need for forensic testing. Built in 1985, to house 36 employees, the lab now employs 45 people and more are being hired to keep up with demand for DNA testing, ballistics and other work.
The design contract was awarded to Cochran, Stephenson & Donkervoet, Inc., of Baltimore, one of five Maryland firms that competed for the project. The design is expected to be complete in spring 2002 with construction expected to begin in July 2002.
The project will be administered by the Maryland Department of General Services (www.dgs.state.md.us).
Chaired by the Governor, the Board of Public Works is also comprised of Comptroller William Donald Schaefer and Treasurer Richard N. Dixon. The board is empowered by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions, and other procurement actions.
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CONTACT:
Dave Humphrey, Director of External Affairs
DGS Office of External Affairs
410-767-4652
E-MAIL: Dave.Humphrey@dgs.state.md.us
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