Read answers to frequently asked questions about the Consolidated Forensic Laboratory (CFL).

• Why do we need a Consolidated Forensic Laboratory in DC?
• Who will use the laboratory?
• What activities will take place in the laboratory?
• Where will the laboratory be located?
• Why was the site chosen?
• When will the laboratory be completed?
• What is the size of the new laboratory?
• How much will the new laboratory cost?
• What will happen to the First District Station located on that site?

Why do we need a Consolidated Forensic Laboratory in DC?

• To improve the District’s crime fighting and public health capabilities.

• DC Department of Health (DOH)
• Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)
• Office of the Chief Medical Officer (OCME)

 

What activities will take place in the laboratory?

 

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) will conduct its forensic analysis of physical evidence, including:

• DNA
• Trace evidence, such as hair, fibers, paints and blood
• Questioned documents and computer crimes
• Firearms and tool marks
• Fingerprints
• Controlled substances (drugs)

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) will investigate and determine the cause and manner of all unexpected deaths in the District.

 

The DC Public Health Laboratory will test for a wide variety of threats to public health, including for communicable diseases, such as HIV and other biological and chemical substances and in the air, food and water.

 

 

Where will the laboratory be located?

• The new laboratory will be located at 4th and School Streets, SW, at the existing MPD First District Station.

• The site was chosen because of its accessibility to Metro, proximity to the courts, compatible zoning, and ownership of the property.

When will the laboratory be completed?

Milestone	Completion Date
Design Development	December 2007
Bid-ready Design Documents	Summer 2008
Construction Bidding	Winter 2009
Award of Construction	Spring 2009
Construction Completion	Fall 2011
Occupancy	Winter 2012

• The new laboratory will be a 351,000 gross square-foot / 287,000 net square-foot, six-floor building, with two additional underground levels for parking.

How much will the new laboratory cost?

• The lab is currently budgeted for $218 million. This figure covers all project phases; the federal government will fund 25 percent of this budget.

• The MPD First District will be relocated to the former Anthony Bowen Elementary School which is located at 101 M Street, SW.