OPP gets state-of-the art forensic ID unit

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Forensic Identification Unit in Orillia will be modernized as part of the McGuinty government's $50- million investment in new facilities for front-line police officers, Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister Monte Kwinter announced Monday.

"Our government is on the side of Ontario families concerned about crime and safety," said Kwinter. "The new forensic identification unit will significantly increase the OPP's ability to meet the demands of modern forensic investigations and keep our communities safe."

The new facility will bring together the existing forensic units in Orillia, Barrie and Bolton under one roof and provide for enhanced capacity to handle many of the new forensic technologies now available to

apprehend and convict offenders. OPP forensic identification units are responsible for crime scene management, for evidence processing in support of the investigation and prosecution of crime, and for the integrity and continuity of evidence from the time it is collected to the time it is presented in court.

"This project is one of many projects in the McGuinty government's five-year $30-billion plus infrastructure renewal plan to modernize facilities in the justice and law enforcement sector," said Public Infrastructure Renewal Minister David Caplan.

"The Ontario Realty Corporation will work with the OPP to deliver a facility that meets all their requirements."

"This new facility will allow forensic unit officers to utilize up-todate

tools in forensic sciences," said OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino. "This will play an important role in our fight against crime throughout central Ontario."

Project development is underway with the Ontario Realty Corporation releasing a Request for Proposals for Architectural, Engineering and Laboratory Consulting Services this month. Plans are to have the new facility up and running by spring 2008.

The McGuinty government is contributing to the safety, health and prosperity of the province by helping our policing partners put 1,000 new police officers on the streets and giving them the tools they need to keep Ontarians safe, by expanding access to health care, by strengthening public education and by encouraging strong job creation.