Sacramento County Forensic Science Laboratory and Coroner's Facility
- Sustainable Features: Energy Efficiency
- Type of Construction: New Construction
- Size: 82,000 SF (7618 m2)
- Professional Services: Architecture, Interior Design, Programming
- Project Components: Central Evidence Storage, Coroner, DNA/Serology Unit, Data/Communications Center, Evidence Triage Unit, Firearms/Toolmarks Unit, Forensic Biology Lab, Forensic Laboratory, Latent Prints Lab, Morgue, Office Space, Photography Studio, Special Hazardous Evidence Examination Laboratory, Support Spaces, Toxicology Unit, Trace Evidence Laboratory, Vehicle Examination Area, Visitor Lobby, Warehouse Space, Weapons Storage
- Project Type: Crime Laboratory, Forensics
- Related Projects: Architecture, Forensics, Justice
The forensic laboratory and coroner's facility serves all of Sacramento County and an eventual population in excess of 1.3 million. The two-story essential facility was designed to exceed state and local energy efficiency guidelines and contain a secure, 24/7 telecommunications center. The program includes a forensic lab, coroner';s lab, and administrative areas, common areas and space for the General Services Agency.
The forensic laboratory was one of the first in the country to contain an area specifically designed for the examination of DNA evidence. It includes an indoor firing range equipped with chevron bullet trap to allow pattern determination tests of long rifles. The lab also accommodates firearms, toolmarks, arson investigation, forensic photography, trace evidence, toxicology, drug analysis, and forensic biology (serology).
The coroners facility features homicide autopsy viewing room separated from the six station autopsy area by a glass partition, Cyano acrylate chamber for bodies, and an autopsy staging area for use during periods of disasters. Additional features included a separate decomposed autopsy room, X-ray room with developing facilities, photo lab, histology and grossing, and pathology support.