The Nebraska State Patrol’s Crime Lab (statepatrol.nebraska.gov) is undergoing a major expansion and renovation to enhance its forensic capabilities and better serve law enforcement agencies across the state. The $26 million project, located at 3977 Air Park Road in Lincoln, will significantly increase the facility’s size from its current 31,000 square feet to 59,000 square feet. Construction is set to be completed by fall 2026.
The expansion comes in response to a rising demand for forensic services. Since opening in 2015, the lab has been operating at full capacity, experiencing a 23 percent increase in overall case submissions and a staggering 90 percent rise in DNA testing requests. To support this growth, the project will add four new forensic lab positions, increasing the lab’s ability to process evidence efficiently.
During construction, the lab will remain fully operational, ensuring uninterrupted forensic support for law enforcement agencies throughout Nebraska. As the only full-service, publicly funded forensic lab for the Nebraska State Patrol, it plays a vital role in assisting local law enforcement agencies across the state by providing forensic analysis at no cost.
The investment in this state-of-the-art facility underscores Nebraska’s commitment to advancing forensic science and strengthening its criminal justice system. With an expanded lab and additional resources, the Nebraska State Patrol will be better equipped to meet the growing demand for forensic analysis and continue providing critical services to law enforcement.
For more information about the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab expansion, please visit statepatrol.nebraska.gov/divisions/investigative-services/crime-laboratory.