Huntsville leaders break ground on crime scene investigation facility
Published on October 11, 2024
Mayor Tommy Battle and other City leaders have broken ground on the Huntsville Police Department’s (HPD) new crime scene investigation (CSI) facility, a transformative project that will enhance the department’s ability to serve and protect the community.
The new facility is located at 616 Wheeler Ave. near Huntsville Police Headquarters. The total cost of construction is just over $9.6 million, with completion slated for early summer 2025. 
The facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art labs, office space, evidence processing areas and vehicle processing bays. The campus will also feature a separate, climate-controlled 13,500-square-foot building dedicated to 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 demands of modern crime scene processing require cutting-edge tools and the right environment to get the work done efficiently. With more space and resources, the facility will allow HPD to process evidence faster, work multiple cases simultaneously and continue to ensure the integrity of the evidence they handle.
“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 building and warehouse will have a long-term impact on HPD’s operations and the City’s overall safety.
“Huntsville is growing rapidly, and our police department must grow with it,” said Hamilton. “This facility is a vital investment in ensuring our law enforcement officers have the resources they need to keep our community safe, both today and in the future.”
Ricky Wilkinson, Director of General Services, says this facility is unique because it is the first City-owned project constructed using the tilt-up concrete construction method.
“With tilt-up construction, the contractor will pour the slab on grade first, then they form and pour concrete panels on top of the slab on grade,” Wilkinson said. “Those panels will then be tilted or stood up to be used as the exterior walls for the building. The benefits to this construction method include durability, sustainability and design flexibility.”