AlaskaCitizensForJustice

HOW YOU CAN HELP

“The bottom line is that average citizens are not concerned about forensic science until they, or someone they love, become the victim of a crime. As a result, crime laboratories do not receive the public attention and support that they deserve. This negligence results in low staffing, low salaries, outdated equipment, and eventually, high backlogs.” (Crime Lab Report, 2008)

NOTE: The Alaska State Crime Lab is not supported by property taxes. This is a State project, funded through the State of Alaska, providing statewide services to law enforcement agencies throughout Alaska (including for the Department of Fish and Game) and as such, does not affect your taxes.

Effective crime fighting requires up-to-date technology. Most citizens have probably seen an episode of CSI, Law and Order, or 48 Hours. We know that timing is critical in solving crimes, not just in collecting and processing crime scene evidence, but in providing timely justice for the accused, the victim and their families. Having the capabilities to process ALL crime scene evidence from a full-service lab centrally located in Anchorage is essential. Sending lab specimens out to private labs in the lower 48 won't provide the timely results imperative to effective crime investigations.

"Having a state-of-the art crime lab provides us with a great opportunity to enhance our public safety mission. Increasingly, effective crime fighting depends on law enforcement's ability to identify suspects and reconstruct an event quickly and accurately in order to facilitate the arrest and prosecution. Having this facility is going to increase our ability to save lives and protect the people we are sworn to serve," says Mesa Police Chief, George Gascon, speaking about the Mesa, Arizona Crime Lab shortly after it opened in 2007.

The size (and resulting cost) of the new Alaska State Crime Lab is based upon detailed studies and factual analysis of the projected caseload, staffing and space required for a full-service lab that will meet Alaska's current and growing population.

Delays on a project of this size cost money, not just in deferred costs (a dollar spent now is less than a dollar, adjusted for inflation, spent later), but in these areas as well:

·        Unresolved crimes and threats to public safety have a ripple effect, from increased insurance claims to the livability of Alaska.

·        Loss of economic opportunity: The impact of the construction project on Alaska's economy, from those directly working on the project, to the construction dollars they funnel back into the Alaskan economy.

With the help of many Alaskans we did it!  The new Alaska Crime Lab has been fully funded and approved.  It is now under construction!

      THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!