CRIME LAB SEEKS ADDITIONAL FUNDING AND NEW LOCATION

Crime control is a battle fought on many fronts. There are police officers who respond to the calls, make arrests and, when necessary, testify in court. There are prosecutors and judges who strive to put teeth in laws passed to protect the citizenry There are legislators who draft, debate and enact those laws. No less important are the citizens who take steps to protect themselves and their neighborhoods from preying criminals.

Each is a vital link to the vulnerable chain of justice. This part of Missouri is fortunate to have another valuable link: the Southeast Missouri Regional Crime Lab.

Law enforcement officials say the lab, situated on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University, is crucial to their work of investigating crimes and compiling evidence. The crime lab serves about 45 law enforcement agencies in 20 counties of Southeast Missouri. The Missouri State Highway Patrol uses the lab, as do local offices for federal law enforcement agencies. The lab not only analyzes evidence, but staff members also collect evidence at crime scenes. And the lab recently expanded its DNA services to meet federal guidelines.

Lt. John Brown of the Cape Girardeau Police Department says the crime lab handles virtually all of the scientific evidence in Southeast Missouri. "I can't imagine operating without them," he adds. Without Cape Girardeau's lab, area law enforcement would be forced to rely on a similar lab in Jefferson City, half a state away.

There is a problem, though. The crime lab, which for the past 30 years has operated out of a donated building on Southeast's campus, needs a bigger building. As in many parts of the nation, crime is a growth industry in Southeast Missouri. The crime lab has outgrown its small building on North Henderson Street. And in two years, the building will be torn down as part of the university's project to construct a new business building and parking.

Not only must a larger site be found for the crime lab, but new financing must be secured to pay for it.

Most of the lab's $250,000 budget comes from fees collected from local law enforcement agencies that use the lab. About $75,000 comes from the state. Now more money is needed.

In keeping with its mission to serve the region, the university has -- along with area lawmakers -- tried to come up with new ways to finance the lab. The university already uses the lab for some student internships. Now the university is considering using the lab in more academic areas, which would open the door for additional university funding. Lawmakers are looking into ways to secure more funding from the state and federal government for services provided by the lab.

It seems apparent the lab is under no threat of closing any time soon. In anticipation of future law enforcement needs, officials are looking for ways to meet those needs. Their efforts are a tribute to the lab's unique value to the region and the university.