Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation

PROJECT PURPOSE

OSBI Forensic Science Building Expansion Description: The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), over the last three years, has conducted functional reviews of its processes and efficiencies. The OSBI historically operated regional labs in Lawton, McAlester, Tahlequah, Enid and the Forensic Science Center in Edmond. Labs are expensive to maintain and recruiting in rural areas is often limited. The OSBI has, through attrition, begun phasing out regional labs and bringing that work to the Forensic Science Center and the lab in Tahlequah. Due to the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative there has been a tremendous increase in workload. The demand for other laboratory services has increased as well. Centrally locating the lab services increases efficiency and provides better service to the state. The reassignment and addition of personnel require additional space. We fully expect, without the addition of space, to have to add additional shifts and ask analysts to share desks. These factors, and others, make it clear that the Forensic Science Center space must be expanded to accommodate the needs of state law enforcement. When the Forensic Science Center was built, the need to expand was anticipated. The OSBI is requesting funding to add approximately 14,850 square feet to the west end of the Forensic Science Center. The addition would add three floors butting up to the second, third and fourth floors of the facility. The addition would allow the entire third floor of the facility to be dedicated to DNA/Biology which has had the greatest increase in demand. The additional space would greatly improve workflow and efficiencies in Trace/Drugs, Biology/DNA and Cold Case Units.

EVIDENCE

None

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The Forensic Science Center provides forensic analysis services to approximately 500 local, state, federal and tribal law enforcement agencies. Their results are relied upon by investigators and courts at all levels of the criminal justice system. The Criminal Justice Community was severely impacted by the pandemic. Non contact evidence submittal was implemented, schedule changes and delayed processing of evidence, court appearances and enforcement action were all reduced.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

This project performance would be measured by milestones in the process. Those milestones would generally include the following: Planning-Bid and award for architectural services completed within the first 90 days Completed drawings and specifications completed within 180 days after award Prepare bid and award construction contract within 180 days of completed drawings Construction to begin within 60 days of award Construction completed within 24 months of award.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

One-time project will not need continued funding