Thursday, Dec. 29, 2005
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Supports New Crime Lab for Springfield
SPRINGFIELD–Gov. Matt Blunt today expressed his support of the construction of a new full-service crime lab to expedite the time it takes to get criminals off the street and to assist law enforcement officers struggling with a backlog of cases in southwest Missouri and around the state.
The state’s third largest city, centered in one of its fastest growing regions, Springfield is the only major metropolitan area without a full service crime lab. Currently, law enforcement officers in the area have to send DNA, trace evidence, latent fingerprint and firearms analysis requests to Jefferson City, slowing the investigative process.
"This action is a huge step forward in our ability to help law enforcement protect Missouri families and decrease the time it takes to get violent criminals out of peaceful communities," Blunt said. "I commend federal and local officials who are also contributing resources to this effort and most importantly working Missourians who fund government."
Blunt said the state, over the course of three years, will provide 21 employees to work at the crime lab at a cost of approximately $1.75 million. The city of Springfield has agreed to pay for rehabilitation of the city-owned L.E. Cox building at 440 East Tampa Ave. The federal government, through earmarks by Congressman Roy Blunt, will provide at least $1.5 million in funding for equipment.
The Missouri Highway Patrol General Headquarters and Troop D in Springfield are both experiencing a huge backlog of cases, approximately 2,000 each. The caseload at Troop D has increased an average of 9.2 percent over the past four years. The new lab will reduce travel time between southwest Missouri and Jefferson City for law enforcement officers and help reduce the case backlog in Jefferson City. Both changes will result in savings for taxpayers.
As governor, Blunt has been a strong and vocal advocate for Missouri law enforcement. Under his lead the state passed a tough new methamphetamine law that has contributed to a 48 percent reduction in the number of meth incidents over the last year. In a difficult budget year Blunt also secured pay increases for the Missouri Highway Patrol to ensure their good law enforcement officers remain on the beat protecting Missouri families.
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