Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Development of New State-of-the-Art Crime Lab in Marlborough

MARLBOROUGH — In recognition of Forensic Science Week, the Healey-Driscoll Administration, through the Massachusetts State Police and the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), announced plans to develop a state-of-the-art Crime Laboratory in Marlborough. The new facility, to be leased by the Commonwealth, will be developed by Greatland Realty Partners, an established leader in lab and life science projects, and supported by a seasoned design and construction team committed to delivering a cutting-edge, future-ready space.  

The long-term lease for the approximately 200,000-square-foot facility, located at 100 Martinangelo Drive, Marlborough, has been executed in accordance with Asset Management Board approval, which authorized a 20-year lease term with two, 10-year extension options. The long-term lease approach is enabling the state police to obtain a much-needed facility several years faster than would be possible if the project had been delivered through traditional capital borrowing and public construction. The new facility will consolidate the current Maynard and Sudbury crime labs into a single location. The lab will accommodate more than 250 employees and provide room for future growth. Construction is scheduled to begin early 2026, with the opening planned for the first quarter of 2028.  

“Massachusetts is a national leader in forensic science. Beyond the critical infrastructure, this project represents our continued commitment to scientific excellence, justice and public safety innovation,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “This purpose-built facility has been made possible by the strong collaboration between State Police, DCAMM and Greatland Realty Partners. I want to thank everyone involved for their continued partnership as this vision becomes a reality.”  

“This project is a great creative example of DCAMM’s commitment to assisting the Commonwealth’s agencies in obtaining modern, high-performing facilities that support the vital public services they provide to their constituents,” said DCAMM Commissioner Adam Baacke. 

The Marlborough site was chosen for its accessibility, proximity to major highways, and capacity to support the new jobs and additional economic development the facility will bring to both the City and surrounding region. The facility will be designed to meet LEED Silver standards and comply with the latest state energy codes, underscoring the Commonwealth’s commitment to sustainable development. The four-story facility, with the Crime Lab as its sole tenant, will activate a vacant site while delivering brand-new systems, accessible design, and secure privacy through its set-back location.  

“Our crime lab professionals play a vital role in investigations across Massachusetts. We’re incredibly proud of their behind-the-scenes work and their deep commitment to delivering unbiased, science-based evidence to inform investigations and detect crime patterns,” said Colonel Geoff Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police. “This new cutting-edge crime lab will enhance our ability to uphold national standards of forensic excellence, support law enforcement statewide, and provide justice for victims and families.”  

“We are delighted to welcome this important public safety facility and its employees to Marlborough,” said Mayor J. Christian Dumais. “When state and local governments work together, the outcomes are always stronger. I look forward to partnering with both Greatland and state officials to ensure this project delivers meaningful economic, workforce, and community benefits for our city.” 

“Greatland is pleased to partner with the state in developing the new Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory,” said Kevin Sheehan, Managing Principal at Greatland Realty Partners. “Marlborough is an outstanding location in a business-friendly community, with access to major transportation arteries. We look forward to delivering this critical public safety facility, and an ongoing partnership with the Commonwealth and the City of Marlborough.” 

The Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory is a full-service laboratory system with nine locations across Massachusetts, including a state-of-the-art evidence storage facility. The highly trained scientists at the Laboratory respond to crime scenes, perform laboratory testing, and provide expert testimony. The lab’s scientists conduct forensic analysis in various disciplines, including Criminalistics, DNA, Trace/Arson and Explosives, Drug Chemistry, Ante and Post-Mortem Toxicology, Latent Print and Impression Evidence, and Firearms. The lab also performs Breath Alcohol Instrument calibration certifications and collects and processes DNA samples to submit to the national DNA database.  

In 2022, the MSPCL achieved national accreditation renewal from the ANSI National Accreditation Board/ANAB, North America’s largest multi-disciplinary accreditation body. After a rigorous evaluation, the MSPCL was granted renewal for exemplifying best practices in international testing, calibration, and forensic-specific standards. The MSPCL has maintained its accreditation status through annual assessments by ANAB, verifying continued compliance with the standards of the accrediting body, and will once again seek accreditation renewal in 2026.   

###