News
$7.4 million announced for phase 3 of State Police Forensic Science Lab in Meriden
By Governor Rell's office
Jul 24, 2008 - 12:48:31 PM

Bond Commission Also Expected to Approve $1 Million for ‘Megan’s Law’ Sex Offender List Upgrade

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced nearly $7.4 million for construction of the third phase of the State of Connecticut Police Forensic Science Laboratory in Meriden is expected to gain approval when the state Bond Commission meets August 4.

The forensics project includes a 26,000-square-foot addition to the existing facility to house the toxicology and controlled substance laboratory as well as the computer crime unit. The toxicology and controlled substance lab tests evidentiary material and screens blood, breath and urine samples taken from drivers suspected of DUI.

“Befitting of the oldest – and best – State Police department in the nation, we have one of the finest forensic science systems in the nation,” Governor Rell said. “This project will build on that tradition and allow the toxicology and controlled substances lab to move out of downtown Hartford and join the rest of the Scientific Services division in Meriden.”

The Governor said $1 million for upgrades to the Sex Offender Registry is also expected to gain approval from the Bond Commission. Connecticut’s registry, maintained by the Department of Public Safety, was created in 1995 by legislation known as “Megan’s Law.” It requires convicted sex offenders to register with police departments in their cities and towns. The law was named for Megan Kanka, a young New Jersey girl murdered in 1994 by convicted sex offender who lived in her neighborhood.

“We must never waiver in our resolve to protect our children and our communities,” Governor Rell said. “Vigilance can and will save lives and this money will significantly enhance our ability to monitor those individuals convicted of sexual offenses.

“Our continuing emphasis on public safety means we need to give the men and women on the front lines of law enforcement the tools they need to do their difficult and often dangerous job,” the Governor said. “That commitment goes beyond the cruisers, the laptops, the training and the personal equipment they carry. It must include the most up-to-date services, scientific support and technology. That is our goal with these important projects.”

The $7,387,805 allocation for the forensics lab includes $5,398,800 for construction as well as $260,000 for equipment, $241,500 for telecommunications equipment and $30,000 in relocation expenses.

The $1 million for the Megan’s Law list will be used for new technology. Further upgrades and improvements are planned to align the Connecticut registry with federal guidelines established by the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006.

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