HUNTSVILLE — City leaders broke ground today on the Huntsville Police Department’s extensive multi-million dollar crime scene investigation facility.
The 14,000-square-foot building will be the headquarters for the department’s Criminal Investigation Division. It will include labs, office space, evidence processing areas, and vehicle processing bays. Additionally, the campus will feature a separate, climate-controlled 13,500-square-foot building dedicated to vehicle and evidence storage.
The $9.6 million facility is at 616 Wheeler Ave. near Huntsville Police headquarters.
“Our commitment to public safety is unwavering, and this facility is a testament to our ongoing dedication to providing our residents with the highest standard of protection and security,” Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said at the groundbreaking ceremony. “Together, we are building a safer, stronger Huntsville.”
Huntsville Police Chief Kirk Giles praised the department’s CSI group for their hard work.
“Our CSI team does outstanding work,” said 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.”
City Administrator John Hamilton emphasized the importance of the new building in light of the city’s rapid expansion.
“Huntsville is growing rapidly, and our police department must grow with it,” said Hamilton. “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.”
The CSI building will not only be unique in its capabilities but also in its construction.
“With tilt-up construction, the contractor will pour the slab on grade first, then they form and pour concrete panels on top of the slab on grade,” Ricky Wilkinson, Director of General Services said. “Those panels will then be tilted or stood up to be used as the exterior walls for the building. The benefits of this construction method include durability, sustainability, and design flexibility.”
The expected completion date is early next summer.
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