NEW WINDSOR—The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey officially handed over a $10 million state-of-the-art regional crime lab at Stewart International Airport to the New York State Police on Nov. 9.
The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by Stewart Airport’s General Manager Ed Harrison, New York State Police Superintendent Joseph D'Amico, Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus, present and former Stewart Airport officials, crime lab managers, and members of the state police.
The Mid-Hudson regional lab boasts a full range of crime laboratory services, investigative assistance, forensic chemists and toxicologists, computerized data bases, and technical investigation specialists who assist with criminal investigations and evidence evaluation. It will provide controlled substance examinations and toxicology analyses for law enforcement agencies in the region, district attorneys, and courts.
Harrison emceed the ceremony and acknowledged the Port Authority’s “substantial investment” in exchange for policing services from the state police. “Now that the Port Authority’s work is complete, the real work begins.” He said the facility was completed on schedule and under budget.
Heavy Caseload
State Police Superintendent Joseph D'Amico said the crime lab, one of three satellite labs in the state, was more than five years in the making.
The drug chemistry staff analyzes more than 1200 cases for the presence of controlled substances. The lab supports work at a contaminated crime scene and emergency response efforts as well as investigations into suspected illegal drug labs.
D'Amico noted the toxicology section handles 400 cases annually—alcohol and drugs for DWI. The lab serves as an evidence drop off point for law enforcement throughout the Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island.
The lab presently processes 3500 submissions each year for area agencies. This includes firearms, fingerprints, and DNA. Evidence can be transported by state police to Albany so local law enforcement can continue to do their jobs in the community.
