There is a growing concern among law enforcement officials and citizens of Senate District 15 over the planned closing of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Laboratory in Columbus. Here are some valid arguments against this action, proposed to take place March 31:
There will be no budget savings gained by closing the Columbus Crime Lab. All the scientists and equipment will be transferred to another location.
The Columbus Crime Lab is one of the most cost effective labs in the state, sharing its facilities with a GBI Regional Office and thereby saving significant operational and utility expenses.
The lab provides forensic services to 19 counties in west central Georgia and firearm/ballistic services to another 27 counties in south Georgia, providing essential regional service to law enforcement agencies.
Closing the Columbus Crime Lab would have a severe negative effect on public safety in seven judicial circuits, hundreds of law enforcement agencies and more than 1 million citizens in 46 counties.
“What this means is that quick and speedy trials will be hindered due to not being able to have the evidence tested or processed in a timely manner for cases in which the forensic evidence is so crucial for the prosecution,” said Sumter County Sheriff Pete Smith. “The closing and relocation of this lab to Atlanta will create a great hardship on local law enforcement agencies that have utilized these services in the past.”
I will continue to work toward reversing this decision so that hopefully our public safety officials will continue to benefit from the services of the Columbus Crime Lab.