New Forensic Science and Protective Medicine Facility Opens in Southeast Wisconsin
WAUWATOSA — Governor Tony Evers and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley marked the opening of the new Forensic Science and Protective Medicine Facility, which will serve as the state-of-the-art home for Wisconsin’s Milwaukee Crime Lab, the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management. The four-story facility will also house the Organ Procurement Organization and Tissue Bank of Versiti Wisconsin, a partner within the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center.
Governor Evers praised the facility as pivotal in streamlining Wisconsin’s criminal justice system and enhancing support for victims. “This new state-of-the-art facility will offer critical support for victims and families when they need it most… Having the upgraded space, technology, and capacity is essential,” he stated.
County Executive Crowley emphasized the importance of collaboration among teams within the facility: “By bringing our crime lab, medical examiner, and emergency management teams together, we are building a stronger, coordinated response.”
Funding and Support
The project was financially supported with nearly $139 million, including $115 million from state funds and an additional nearly $24 million grant directed by Gov. Evers to assist in construction. This cooperative effort aimed to avoid setbacks that previously stalled the project.
Benefits of the New Facility
Strategically located on the MRMC campus, the facility aims to:
- Increase efficiency in responding to opioid and violence epidemics.
- Aid coordination during emergencies.
- Facilitate partnerships and resource-sharing among laboratories.
- Optimize investigation of combined evidence.
- Attract and train future forensic science professionals.
Community Safety Initiatives
Governor Evers has prioritized community safety, proposing over $100 million toward violence prevention, focusing on programs addressing root causes of violence, including:
- $6.6 million to the Medical College of Wisconsin for the Violence Prevention Project.
- Increased funding for community organizations focusing on violence prevention.
- Establishing the Office of Violence Prevention to address crime and enhance community safety.
The administration is also promoting gun safety measures, including funding to support victim services and prevent gun violence.
For resources on domestic violence prevention, visit RealLoveIsRespect.wi.gov.
This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee.
