The Guam Community College is holding a groundbreaking ceremony for its DNA Forensic Lab at 10 a.m. today.
According to John Dela Rosa, GCC Assistant Director of Communications & Promotions, the addition of a DNA Forensic Lab would significantly enhance the ability of local law enforcement to analyze crime scene evidence without having to send it off-island.
The facility will also support GCC’s Associates of Science in Criminal Justice programs for Forensic Computer Examiners and Forensic Lab Technicians.
The single-story facility will include:
* A 4,915 sq.ft. laboratory including a secure receiving room, Alternate Light Source (ALS) lab, Biology Exam lab, Post Amp lab, Bio-vestibule, Pre Amp lab, Reagent room, lab storage, refrigerator storage and an evidence storage room); and
* A 1,945 sq.ft. administration area that includes two offices, a Combined DNA Index (CODIS) room, library, and case room; an additional 1,980 sq.ft. educational area (2 classrooms, 2 offices) will be used for the Guam Community College Criminal Justice program.
Funding for the design of the GCC DNA Forensic Lab was provided through a Department of Interior grant of $365,653.
Construction of the facility is funded through a $5 million loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that also funded the newly renovated Building 100. It is designed to be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certified.
The ceremony will be held adjacent to the Gregorio D. Perez GPD Crime Lab on the Guam Community College Mangilao campus.
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