Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation criminalists Brad Rogers and Muriel Correa unwrap a scanning electron microscope during the move to the bureau's new forensic science center in Edmond. BY STEVE GOOCH, THE OKLAHOMAN
The $30 million center is state-of-art and being called one of the best in the United States.
Reservations are required to take the free tour that will be from 6 to 8 p.m. May 6 and 8, said Charles Curtis, the center's director.
Anyone interested in making a reservation should call 330-6724 or fax the request to 330-6207. Callers must provide a name, address and number of people. Reservation tickets then will be mailed.
"We want to give the public an opportunity to see the new facility,” Curtis said. "It is a taxpayers' building and there is a lot of interest.”
Curtis estimates up to 300 reservations will be accepted for each night.
People will be allowed to take a walking tour through the halls of the four-story forensic lab.
"Criminalists will be along the tour to answer questions the public might have,” Curtis said.
Displays of photographs, evidence, equipment and historical data from each of the units lines the hallways to show what happens in the forensic science laboratory. Windows have been installed throughout the hallways so people touring the building can see work being conducted inside the laboratory.
The center, across Second Street from the University of Central Oklahoma campus, is now home for 70 criminalists, evidence technicians and support staff.
Dirt work on the site at 800 E Second St. began Nov. 15, 2005. Talks about a new forensic science center began in 2002.
The move from the old, cramped laboratory at 2132 NE 36 in Oklahoma City took almost three weeks.
The new 86,000-square-foot center became fully operational last week.
