Arkansas Department of Public Safety Constructs State Crime Laboratory

The Arkansas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is constructing a $200 million replacement facility for the state crime laboratory in North Little Rock. Driving scientific innovation and expanding capacity for the justice system, the 190,000-sf building will support advanced forensic disciplines including DNA analysis, toxicology, digital forensics, firearms examination, and other critical services. The flexible hub will feature adaptable laboratories and offices, scalable infrastructure, and future-ready utilities to meet evolving needs and provide room for growth.

Designed by WER Architects and McClaren, Wilson & Lawrie to strategically optimize the flow of evidence processing, the three-story structure will house a modern medical examiner’s office, secure vehicle inspection areas, and collaboration venues. A large 230-person meeting room will enable training, coordination, and outreach functions.

Furthering environmental goals, the sustainable development’s layout will maximize daylight while reducing heat gain. High-efficiency mechanical systems will be accompanied by energy recovery technologies, and the separation of office and lab environments will minimize energy consumption and HVAC requirements. Native plantings and bioswales will retain stormwater to lessen the need for irrigation across the 19-acre site.

Nabholz Construction is the general contractor, with ENFRA as commissioning agent and Halff as landscape architect. Firms supplying engineering expertise include Cromwell, Insight, and Building & Earth. Ground was broken in June of 2025 and occupancy is slated for 2027.