Officials: New 'Cutting Edge' Mass. Crime Lab Will Strengthen Forensic Capabilities across State
What to know
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Massachusetts officials announced plans to build a new centralized forensic laboratory in Marlborough, consolidating existing crime labs and expanding statewide forensic capabilities.
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Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with the facility potentially opening in early 2028 under a long-term lease arrangement.
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The Massachusetts State Police said the lab will support DNA, drug, firearms and toxicology analysis, strengthen investigative standards, and create regional jobs.
State officials plan to start construction on a new, modern forensic laboratory in Marlborough in 2026.
The laboratory will bring together the current crime labs in Maynard and Sudbury under one roof. Construction is expected to start in the early part of the year.
It could open as early as the first few months of 2028. The building will be designed with sustainable environmental designs on a currently vacant property, officials said.
State Police Superintendent Col. Geoff Noble said the facility will strengthen forensic capabilities across the state.
“Our crime lab professionals play a vital role in investigations across Massachusetts,” Noble said. “This new cutting-edge crime lab will enhance our ability to uphold national standards of forensic excellence, support law enforcement statewide, and provide justice for victims and families.”
The Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory system operates nine locations and conducts forensic analysis in DNA, drug chemistry, firearms and toxicology.
“Massachusetts is a national leader in forensic science. Beyond the critical infrastructure, this project represents our continued commitment to scientific excellence, justice and public safety innovation,” Terrence Reidy, recently retired public safety and security secretary, said. “This purpose-built facility has been made possible by the strong collaboration between State Police, DCAMM and Greatland Realty Partners.”
State officials chose the Marlborough location because it’s close to major highways and has the potential to create new jobs and economic growth in the area.
The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the project in partnership with the Massachusetts State Police and the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance.
The four-story building will span approximately 200,000 square feet at 100 Martinangelo Drive and employ more than 250 people.
The state government will lease the facility from developer Greatland Realty Partners for 20 years, with options to extend for two additional 10-year periods.
Officials said the lease arrangement will allow the lab to open several years sooner than traditional public construction would permit.
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