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Rendering of new Biotech Two
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Biotech Two is a newly-constructed 136,000 sq. ft. laboratory
facility in Richmond, VA that houses the nationally accredited Division
of Forensic Science Laboratory for the State of Virginia, as well
as the new office for the Chief Medical Examiner. The project brings
together in one facility the various and highly sensitive laboratories
needed by a number of specialized forensic disciplines, including
Drug Analysis, Firearms & Toolmarks, Forensic Biology, Forensic
Toxicology, Latent Prints, Questioned Documents and Trace Evidence,
as well as a Photo Processing Section to develop all photographs
used as evidence by the various investigative agencies.
The technically sensitive and advanced design of the Biotech Two
facility allows for the efficient coordination of each of these
disciplines and enhances the proximity that is critical in data
analysis for criminal investigations and any expert testimony. The
activity at the facility is at a critical level, mandating the strictest
security codes not only for police protection and photography in
each of the laboratories, but also the most advanced security and
computer systems available.
Syska Hennessy Group provided complete engineering systems design
for this project.
Specialized systems design ensures the uninterrupted operation
of all the major laboratories, including continuous, sterile conditions
for firearm testing, identification and qualification of illicit
drugs and narcotics, identification and examination of forged documents,
comparison of paint and headlight glass on the clothing of hit-and-run
victims, identification of poisons on the body of deceased persons,
examination of fingerprint evidence, and identification of suspects
through DNA profiling of biological evidence. Facilities designed
for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner include administrative
offices and medical-legal autopsy areas.
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