Chautauqua County and the State University of New York at Fredonia have announced a joint initiative to examine the possibility of establishing a forensic crime laboratory on the SUNY Fredonia campus. The county recently issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to select a firm to conduct a feasibility study focused on DNA analysis and digital forensics capabilities.
If created, this would be the first public forensic crime lab in Chautauqua County. The facility is intended to serve as a regional resource for law enforcement agencies while also providing mentorships, internships, and job training opportunities for SUNY Fredonia students. These experiential learning options are expected to support enrollment in degree programs such as criminal justice and natural sciences.
“This exciting partnership aligns with our Roadmap to Fiscal Sustainability by creating new opportunities that strengthen both our academic programs and our community partnerships,” said SUNY Fredonia President Stephen H. Kolison Jr. “Exploring the development of a forensic crime lab on campus reflects our commitment to innovation and progress. We will move the university forward and provide students with hands-on experiences that prepare them for in-demand careers.”
Chautauqua County Executive Paul “PJ” Wendel Jr. said, “This partnership with SUNY Fredonia is a prime example of what’s possible when we think outside the box and commit to bold, forward-thinking solutions. By exploring the development of a forensic crime lab right here in Chautauqua County, we are not only investing in public safety, but we’re also enhancing educational opportunity and regional innovation. We fully support SUNY Fredonia’s forward-thinking vision and are proud to explore this opportunity together. I want to thank President Kolison and his team for their leadership and willingness to collaborate on a project that could benefit our residents for generations to come.”
Currently, law enforcement agencies within Chautauqua County must send forensic evidence out of the area for processing, which can delay investigations and increase costs. A local laboratory would streamline these operations by reducing turnaround times and expanding capacity in DNA analysis and digital forensics.
“We are a resilient community, finding cost-saving workarounds when finances fall short,” said Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt. “There was a time our police could rely on outside forensic labs without delays — but as evidence submissions have surged statewide, those labs now limit what we can send and prioritize their own local cases. These delays challenge our investigations. That’s why we aim to build a local forensic lab — dedicated to Chautauqua County’s needs. SUNY Fredonia is a perfect location, with this lab we hope to expand academic programs, boost student enrollment, and create a win-win for public safety and education.”
Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone commented: “A local forensic crime lab would be an invaluable resource for every law enforcement agency in Chautauqua County. Right now, we face long waits and significant logistical hurdles when sending evidence out of the area. This initiative has the potential to centralize forensic services, reduce turnaround time, and improve outcomes across the board. I commend SUNY Fredonia and county leadership for recognizing the importance of this partnership.”
Dr. Michael Faulk, Chief Medical Officer for Chautauqua County added: “From my experience overseeing death investigations and working closely with the County Coroner’s Office, I’ve seen firsthand the critical role forensic science plays in both public health and public safety. A local forensic lab would not only improve response times but also enhance the accuracy and reliability of casework. I’m pleased to support this effort, which promises to bridge the gap between scientific inquiry and community service in a truly meaningful way.”
The feasibility study will look at costs related either to renovating an existing building or constructing new facilities on campus as well as factors such as security requirements, staffing models, state accreditation standards under New York law, and sustainability planning over time. The county has committed funds necessary if an appropriate vendor is selected.
“This is the type of high-impact, mission-driven initiative that could transform our community and campus,” added President Kolison. “This effort has the potential to give students direct access to state-of-the-art facilities and real-world learning experiences. We’re proud to work alongside Chautauqua County to explore how we can bring this vision to life in service of our region and our students.”
The RFP process was open exclusively to architectural or engineering firms experienced in designing forensic laboratories; results from the study will guide any future decision about whether or not construction will proceed.
