Huntsville breaks ground on crime scene investigation facility

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — City leaders came together Friday to break ground on a new Huntsville Police Department (HPD) facility focused on crime scene investigations.

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle along with Police Chief Kirk Giles and other city leaders grabbed a ceremonial shovel Friday to break ground on a new $9.6 million CSI facility on Wheeler Avenue near HPD headquarters.

The city said the facility is slated for completion in early Summer 2025. The 14,000-square-foot facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art labs, evidence-processing areas, vehicle processing bays and office space to serve the city’s criminal investigations division.

According to city officials, the campus will also feature a 13,500-square-foot building for vehicle and evidence storage.

“Our commitment to public safety is unwavering, and this facility is a testament to our ongoing dedication to provide our residents with the highest standard of protection and security,” Mayor Tommy Battle said. “Together, we are building a safer, stronger Huntsville.”

The city said the new facility will give its CSI team more space to process evidence faster and work multiple cases at the same time while still being able to safeguard the integrity of the evidence they deal with.

“Our CSI team does outstanding work,” said Huntsville Police Chief Kirk Giles. “Their dedication and expertise have played a pivotal role in making Huntsville stand out as a model of safety and security in our state.”

City Administrator John Hamilton said the facility will have a long-term impact on HPD’s operations and is an investment in ensuring law enforcement has the resources they need.

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