MOULTRIE —
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s (GBI) crime lab on Veterans Parkway is back operating, but only on a limited basis.
GBI Spokesman John Bankhead said the lab has been set up to receive evidence to be sent to other crime labs for testing. The capability to receive evidence is being done while the building undergoes repairs, which are expected to last for several months.
Colquitt County Sheriff Al Whittington said lab employees began returning at the end of July, and the lab began receiving evidence Monday. It is only operating as an evidence receiving station, but it is hoped to begin working on cases later this month. The lab starting operations again is great news for Whittington and for the 27 counties being serviced by it.
“We’re glad they’re here and doing what they’re doing,” Whittington said.
Bankhead said the reason to begin using the lab as an evidence receiving facility was to take the burden off of local law enforcement who use the lab. A GBI person was put there to collect all of the evidence, and GBI personnel will deliver it to the remaining GBI labs throughout the state.
Whittington said the GBI is planning to do the renovations to the lab before it becomes fully operational. The GBI is also in the process of rehiring personnel who were there when the lab was closed in March, and additional personnel may be brought in once the lab is fully operational.
Whittington expects the renovations will not be complete until early 2011, however, but he said he is glad to see the lab being used again.
“We’re real fortunate to have the lab reopened,” Whittington said, “and we look forward to the renovations and having it fully staffed.”
Despite the lab reopening with the renovations, Bankhead said he does not expect the medical examiner’s area to be reopened. The GBI has been unable to hire a medical examiner for the office after searching for one to fill it for two years. A limited number of certified forensic pathologists being available — as few as 450 — has made it tough to fill the position.
Local News
Crime lab operating on limited basis
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