LITTLE ROCK – In 2023, the Arkansas Legislative Council set aside $200 million for the construction of a new state-of-the art, Arkansas State Crime Laboratory (ASCL). The legislature approved requests totaling $19. 4 million for the architectural designs, purchase of the land and to cover contractor costs. In September 2025, the Legislative Council’s Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review (PEER) Subcommittee approved $131.9 million for construction and building costs. The Arkansas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the umbrella agency for the crime laboratory and as good stewards of the state’s money the new building is projected to come in approximately $48 million under the original projected cost of $200 million.
The current crime lab moved into a building at #3 Natural Resources Drive in Little Rock in April of 1981. It shared the building with the Arkansas State Police until 1997 when they moved to their new headquarters in southwest Little Rock. The laboratory then took over the 80,000 square foot building. However, it quickly outgrew the space.
According to the ASCL, the number of deceased Arkansans has increased by 25% in the last two years. Furthermore, the state’s forensic capabilities have fallen behind mainly due to the fact the current crime lab is more than 40 years old. Limited space and outdated infrastructure have made the job harder. In many cases two employees working in a space meant for one, and lab and administrative duties are carried out in the same small and cramped areas. The laboratory plays a critical role in public health and safety and the new building will improve and expand the space needed to transform forensic work across the state.
The new building is expected to be completed by July 2027 and will be three stories tall, 190,000 square feet and sit on 19 acres in North Little Rock. It will more than double the current capacity. The facility will allow the lab to advance its technology and expand its capabilities. Plans include implementing rapid DNA testing at law enforcement booking stations across the state that will help improve turnaround time and statewide coordination. In addition to lab functions, the new facility will create opportunities for public engagement, training, and education. Officials hope these upgrades will not only improve service delivery but also strengthen partnerships with communities and law enforcement across the state which is invaluable to their work.
DPS has made a conscious effort to significantly boost salaries for lab employees to the established labor market rate to attract qualified candidates and retain them. In fact, two new forensic pathologists were recruited to the crime lab in October, marking significant advancement in forensic science in Arkansas, addressing the nationwide shortage of board-certified forensic pathologists. Across the United States, there are only about 800 board-certified forensic pathologists despite an estimated need for nearly twice that number. By securing two top-tier recruits, ASCL is strengthening its capacity to serve the citizens of Arkansas while setting a new standard of excellence.
