“And will help tip the scales of law towards justice. Too many families have felt the pain brought on by a lack of evidence in court. But there is hope, in the strength of the cases we’ll make in these facilities,” says Governor Lou Leon Guerrero.
The long-awaited Gregorio G. Perez Crime Lab was unveiled at the Guam Community College campus on Wednesday.
Chief of Police Stephen Ignacio said that the crime lab can speed up the process of DNA analysis and provide families with answers and closure.
“And as I look at the work in law enforcement that we do, I think what this building means for Guam is hope. Hope for the families of unsolved homicides. Hope for victims of rape because now we don’t have to wait 18-44 months to get results from DNA analysis if we send it off island,” says Ignacio.
In addition to providing deserving families with answers and closure, students can be trained and even build a workforce locally which can help the island.
“Our DNA lab on Guam is not just a Guam lab, it is a regional lab. Every month, if not every week, I receive requests from Saipan, Palau, Marshall Islands now have reached out to us. We have an agreement with them to do analysis on Guam,” Ignacio continues.
The crime lab was also accredited internationally.
According to a press release, the funding for the design of the GCC Forensics Lab was acquired through a Department of Interior grant for $365,653.
GCC President Dr. Mary Okada said, “I truly believe that given the track record for the college, we were able to demonstrate our commitment and ability to see this through.”
The facility includes a 4,915 square foot laboratory with a secure receiving room, Alternate Light Source lab, Biology Exam lab, Post Amp lab, Bio-vestibule, Pre Amp lab, Reagent room, lab storage, refrigerator storage, and an evidence storage room); 1,945 square foot administration area that includes two offices, a Combined DNA Index room, a library, and case room; and an additional 1,980 square foot educational area (2 classrooms, 2 offices) will be used for the Guam Community College Criminal Justice program.
Contact Jannette Samson | E-mail: jannette@spbguam.com | Phone: 671-689-2842
