HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Construction is under way on a 14,000-square-foot home to the Huntsville Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division.
Officials celebrated the groundbreaking Friday at the site of the future facility, in the 600 block of Wheeler Ave. NW, across from HPD headquarters.
Mayor Tommy Battle and HPD Police Chief Kirk Giles were among those attending.
Once the 14,000 square foot building is complete, it will provide space for labs, offices, evidence processing areas and vehicle processing bays. The project also includes a separate, climate-controlled 13,500-square-foot facility for vehicle and evidence storage.
"Our CSI team does outstanding work," said Huntsville Police Chief Kirk Giles. "Their dedication and expertise have played a pivotal role in making Huntsville stand out as a model of safety and security in our state." He also shared that the new facility will allow multiple teams to work simultaneously, speeding up the process of evidence processing.
City Administrator John Hamilton stressed the importance of law enforcement keeping up with the city's growth. "Huntsville is growing rapidly, and our police department must grow with it. This facility is a vital investment in ensuring our law enforcement officers have the resources they need to keep our community safe, both today and in the future."
“This project is not just about meeting our current needs; it’s about planning for the future,” Giles said. “With more space and resources, we will be able to expand, grow our team and continue to enhance our capabilities as the city grows.”
Eight people comprise the crime scene investigation team, which has worked in cramped quarters in recent years.
A budget of $9.7 million for the project was approved earlier this year. Construction is expected to take about one year.