PITTSBURG, Kan.—Construction is officially underway on the Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s (KBI) new Regional Crime Center and Laboratory, a $42 million facility poised to transform forensic science and law enforcement collaboration in Southeast Kansas.
The September 2025 groundbreaking ceremony brought together state leaders, law enforcement officials, and educators to celebrate the launch of this state-of-the-art center. The project is a joint initiative between the KBI, Pittsburg State University (PSU), and the City of Pittsburg. Design is led by PGAV Architects in collaboration with MWL, with McCownGordon Construction managing the build.
The facility will serve dual roles: advancing criminal investigations and supporting PSU’s growing Criminal Justice Education program, which currently enrolls over 110 students. It will house forensic laboratories, investigative offices, and training spaces for federal, state, and local agencies. The center is expected to support a wide range of cases, from property crimes to human trafficking, while offering hands-on experience for future law enforcement professionals.
PGAV Architects emphasized the importance of the partnership behind the project and its potential to strengthen forensic resources, expand educational opportunities, and enhance public safety across the region. The firm expressed pride in contributing to a facility that will have a lasting impact on Kansas communities.
Construction is scheduled to begin in October 2025, with completion anticipated by spring 2027. Once operational, the Regional Crime Center will stand as a cornerstone of innovation, education, and interagency cooperation, reinforcing Kansas’s commitment to justice and community well-being.
