Officials celebrated the opening of a new $245 million forensic science facility on Friday at the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center campus. The Center for Forensic Science and Protective Medicine, located at 9400 W. Doyne Ave., is set to enhance the capabilities of several key state and county offices.
The facility will serve the county’s Office of the Medical Examiner, the Office of Emergency Management, the Milwaukee Crime Lab under the state Department of Justice, and the Organ Procurement Organization and Tissue Bank managed by Versiti.
Governor Tony Evers described the facility as a “watershed moment” for the state, emphasizing its potential to improve efficiency, foster partnerships, and provide better educational opportunities for future forensic science professionals.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, officials highlighted the building’s role in promoting collaboration. The proximity to the Medical College of Wisconsin is expected to enhance training programs for forensic pathology fellows, the Medical Examiner’s Office, and the state crime lab.
County Executive David Crowley noted, “This is a beautiful building, but it’s also much more than just a building. It’s a crucial step towards streamlining operations, improving collaboration, and strengthening our region’s ability to respond to public safety challenges.”
The new facility is a joint project funded by both the county and state governments. The State Building Commission contributed approximately $115 million alongside a $24 million grant from the Badger Bounceback program, while the county provided $130 million towards the development.
Construction on the four-story, 217,150-square-foot building commenced in 2023, replacing outdated facilities used by state and county employees since the late 1980s. The Medical Examiner’s Office previously operated out of a largely windowless building at 933 W. Highland Ave, while the Milwaukee Crime Lab was located in a former grocery store.
Attorney General Josh Kaul remarked on the modernization the facility brings, stating, “We have dramatically modernized the work that is going to be done by our state crime labs by moving to this new facility, and there’s a powerful message in that this state is committed to remaining on the cutting edge of forensic sciences.”
The Medical Examiner’s Office will benefit from specially designed spaces, improving the efficiency of the approximately 2,000 autopsies conducted annually. District Attorney Kent Lovern commented that the new office will enhance the quality and efficiency of death investigations in Milwaukee County, noting their critical importance to public safety.
In addition to forensic services, the building houses the county’s Office of Emergency Management, which includes a new Emergency Operations Center. This facility will act as a central hub for coordination among emergency services during significant events, complemented by a dedicated 911 dispatch center.
