The RCMP has opened a new state-of-the-art laboratory facility in Surrey, B.C. The new facility, which is targeted to meet LEED Gold environmental standards, will feature advanced telecommunications systems and specialized workstations designed to fulfill lab operating requirements. It replaces the existing 45-year-old Vancouver laboratory.

Each year, the RCMP’s National Forensic Laboratory Services (NFLS) processes thousands of requests from police agencies across the country for forensic services, in areas such as biology (DNA), toxicology, trace evidence, anti-counterfeiting, and firearms and toolmark identification. These services play a vital role in criminal investigations.

The lab is scheduled to be at full operating capacity by the fall of 2019. During the transition period, the NFLS locations in Edmonton and Ottawa will ensure that forensic service requests continue to be processed.

The new lab will allow the RCMP to continue providing critical services to support criminal investigations across Canada, helping to identify, eliminate or exonerate suspects, and enhance public safety.

“Ensuring police agencies across the country have timely access to state-of-the-art forensic laboratory services is a priority for the Government of Canada. Our Government is committed to enhancing public safety, supporting law enforcement, and ensuring that criminals are brought to justice. This new lab facility will ensure that the RCMP can continue providing advanced forensic services to assist with police investigations across Canada,” says Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction, on behalf of the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.