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CBI Gets New Tools In Fight Against Crime

ARVADA, Colo. (CBS4)- Law enforcement across Colorado got some new tools to help fight crime on Friday. The new state-of-the-art forensic science laboratory in Arvada features bigger spaces and better technology.

Scientists with the Colorado Bureau of Investigations will use the expanded space and technology for testing evidence gathered from crime scenes and victims.

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Testing at the CBI laboratory (credit: CBS)

The renovations to the Arvada center cost $7 million, a large chunk was paid for by taxpayers through the passage of House Bill 1020 which outlined standards for testing of rape kits. The renovated center will ensure those standards will continue to be met.

CBI LAB TOUR
The ribbon cutting at the renovated CBI lab (credit: CBS)

At Friday's ribbon cutting ceremony, CBI Executive Director Stan Hilkey said criminals will be very disappointed and law enforcment will sleep a little lighter because of the new lab.

The entire DNA analysis center was expanded along with toxicology testing.

CBI LAB TOUR DNA  (2)
(credit: CBS)

There are 40 scientists working for the CBI and they finally have the space they need to help law enforcement solve crimes.

"The space has been renovated to be very efficient, to be appropriate for our needs to house all of the equipment that is necessary in a manner that the scientists can move from one place to the next to the next and not have to jump back so they don't get on top of each other so they can really be efficient," said CBI Forensic Science Lab Director Katie Fetherstone.

CBI LAB TOUR  12VO_frame_1533
(credit: CBS)

The lab is the largest of the five CBI facilities in Colorado and processes more than 40,000 pieces of evidence per year for more than 10,000 cases. The facility has recently gone from an average grade to DNA processing to the top of the list.

CBI LAB TOUR   (1)
(credit: CBS)
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