Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Office and Laboratory
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Office and Laboratory
-
Mankato, Minnesota
-
Minnesota Department of Public Safety
-
LEO A DALY provided full design services for a new 55,000-square-foot regional office and forensic laboratory for the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Serving approximately 768,000 residents and more than 150 partner agencies across southern Minnesota, the facility expands investigative, forensic science, training, and evidence management capabilities within a secure, purpose-built environment.
-
55,000-square-foot regional office and laboratory
Forensic science laboratories
Controlled substances analysis laboratory
Serology laboratory
Digital media forensic spaces
Evidence intake, handling, and storage
Criminal investigation support functions
Secure administrative offices
Training and collaboration spaces
Designed to support laboratory accreditation requirements
Comprehensive security and chain-of-custody protocols
Criminal Justice Information (CJI) compliant environment
-
Programming
Planning
Architecture
Interior Design
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Plumbing Engineering
Fire Protection Engineering
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) serves as a critical partner to law enforcement agencies across the state, providing forensic science services, investigative support, training, and resources that strengthen public safety. To meet growing demand throughout southern Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety commissioned a new regional office and laboratory in Mankato to replace a collection of leased facilities and expand operational capacity.
LEO A DALY, in partnership with MWL, Elan Design Lab, and True North Consulting Group, full design services for the new 55,000-square-foot facility. Early phases of the project evaluated current and future space needs for the state laboratory system and produced documentation supporting the state's funding request, establishing the foundation for a comprehensive facility designed to support long-term growth.
Designed to serve approximately 768,000 residents and more than 150 partner law enforcement agencies across southern Minnesota, the facility consolidates investigative, forensic, administrative, and training functions within a secure, highly specialized environment. Program spaces include administrative offices, evidence intake and storage areas, training facilities, and laboratories supporting forensic disciplines such as controlled substances analysis, serology, and digital media examination.
The design carefully addresses the stringent operational, security, and accreditation requirements associated with a Criminal Justice Information (CJI) facility. Evidence security, chain-of-custody procedures, confidentiality, scientific defensibility, and laboratory accreditation standards informed every aspect of planning and design, creating an environment that supports accurate forensic analysis and effective investigative operations.
The result is a modern regional headquarters and laboratory that strengthens forensic science capabilities, supports collaboration among public safety partners, and positions the BCA to meet the evolving needs of southern Minnesota communities for decades to come.
