New Haven Register , March 6, 2009
West Haven Voice, March 5, 2009
MSNBC.com, March 7, 2009
xinhuanet.com, March 5, 2009
People's Daily, March 6, 2009
NBC 30 , March 6, 2009
Fox 61 , March 7, 2009
Internationally-renowned and sought after forensic scientist Dr. Henry C. Lee, recognized as a pioneer of modern forensic science, is known for cracking the coldest of cases. Soon, crime solving agencies throughout Connecticut and beyond will be able to take advantage of Lee's cutting-edge expertise thanks to a new state-of-the-art forensic science center at the University of New Haven.
The University of New Haven today announced the completion of plans for the new 15,649 square-foot, $9.4 million Henry C. Lee Institute, which will include a Forensic Crisis Management Command Center, a forensics museum, a crime scene learning center, and laboratories and classrooms. Construction is slated to begin this summer, with completion expected in summer, 2010.
Finely-honed skills, advanced instrumentation and rapid response times are critical in forensic work, but, with today's budgetary constraints and personnel shortages, they are often lacking in the field. The new Institute of Forensic Science at UNH, with advanced crime-scene equipment not found at most police agencies, will allow Lee, his UNH colleagues, and national experts to help solve some of the country's toughest mysteries by examining and discussing evidence in real time as though they were physically present at a crime scene.
The Forensic Crisis Management Command Center-including a state-of-the-art mobile unit-will provide advanced equipment for law enforcement and crime scene investigators. Sophisticated crime-scene equipment such as ground-penetrating radar for locating buried bodies, a high-intensity laser for ballistic reconstruction and a teleforensic satellite internet system will allow investigators to up-link via satellite to local, state and federal law enforcement, FEMA and other governmental agencies and then down-link time-sensitive information to a panel of forensic experts at the Command Center and beyond. Experts such as crime-scene investigators, pathologists, psychologists, forensics engineers and computer-crime specialists will use advanced technology and state-of-the-art equipment to assist in crime scene analysis.
West Haven Chief of Police Ronald M. Quagliani said "This partnership between law enforcement and the University of New Haven will allow us greater access to world-class experts, and their technologies and methodologies, all at no additional cost to the taxpayer." He added "With municipal budgets shrinking, access to these types of resources would otherwise be nearly impossible. As the chief of police and as a graduate of the University of New Haven, I believe the West Haven Police Department and the West Haven community are extremely fortunate to have such preeminent resources in our own backyard."
The Henry C. Lee Endowed Professor of Forensic Science and founder of the Forensic Science Program at the University of New Haven, Lee is an acknowledged visionary in his field, advancing the study of forensics at the University exponentially over the past 30 years, from a small classroom equipped with a single fingerprint kit to a internationally- recognized multi-disciplined department with state-of-the-art technology. Lee has assisted in the investigations of more than 6,000 cases-at hundreds of police agencies around the world-and many high-profile cases, including the O.J. Simpson case, the suicide of former White House attorney, Vince Foster, the review of the JFK assassination, the death of JonBenet Ramsey, the Chandra Levy investigation and the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart.
Lee joined the Connecticut State Police over 30 years ago and served as the state's first criminalist. He was later appointed the director of The Forensic Science Laboratory where he was credited with developing the major crime investigation concept. He served as the commissioner of the Department of Public Safety between 1998 and 2000. During that time he brought the Connecticut Department of Public Safety to the forefront of technology with the development of a new radio system and the Sex Offender Registry Database.
During Lee's many years at UNH, the Institute has trained students from all 50 States and 17 different countries, and has conducted hundreds of workshops for law enforcement all over the world. The scope of the Institute's most recent innovation includes research into plant DNA; expanded DNA research into tomato plant seeds, and use of alternative light sources in forensics and toxicology research. The Forensic Institute was also the first in the nation to have a National Crime Scene Center and a Cold Case Investigation Center.
"The Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science will take the lead in forensics training, drawing law enforcement professionals and college students from throughout the region and the world to Connecticut to learn the latest forensics technologies." said University of New Haven President Steven H. Kaplan. "At the same time, the Institute will create a model for forensics best practices, using a team approach and the latest technology." Dr. Richard H. Ward, dean of the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice, agreed, noting that the new forensic science facilities will add to the world-class training and education programs at UNH and provide a unique opportunity for practitioners and students to hone their investigative skills. The Institute hosts the annual Markel Symposium, at which Lee and his crime-fighting colleagues share their expertise regarding how crimes are investigated. This year's Markel Symposium, April 13 and 14 at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Conn., will focus on the methods of investigating and solving international crime.
The forensics interactive museum-which will incorporate working crime-scene labs and high-tech visual displays, will offer, among other things, high-level, technologically based training for law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges, teachers and students in the Institute's 100-seat classroom, and an extensive forensic archive.
The University has raised millions in private funding designated exclusively for this project. "The University is fortunate to have been in the process of raising millions of dollars many years before the economic downturn and we are pleased to be able to improve education while creating new jobs in this tough economic environment," said President Kaplan. "A project of this type employs hundreds of individuals in any number of fields. The University also received a state grant to assist in the development of the Forensic Institute. The University of New Haven feels strongly that, if in any way we can be party to employing citizens of the state of Connecticut, we should absolutely do so."
West Haven Mayor John M. Picard said "We are very excited to have the Henry Lee Institute call West Haven home. The City's close ties to the University of New Haven continue to provide exciting educational, economic and cultural opportunities throughout our region. The Institute is just another example of how the relationship between the City and UNH continues to provide positive, forward-moving growth for West Haven."