One of the largest and most sophisticated DNA laboratories in the world will open in Richmond on April 24, 2002. The California Department of Justice Bureau of Forensic Services Richmond DNA Laboratory Grand Opening Ceremony will begin at 10:30 AM at 1001 West Cutting Boulevard (Tech Center I). The event will be hosted by Attorney General Bill Lockyer. For additional information, phone 510/620-3300.

The Bureau of Forensic Services (BFS) is the scientific arm of the Attorney General's Office whose mission is to assist the criminal justice system. Forensic scientists collect, analyze, and compare physical evidence from crime scenes or persons. They also provide criminalistics, blood alcohol, and related forensic science information services to state and local law enforcement agencies, district attorneys, and the courts. BFS also offers specialized forensic science training to personnel who are practitioners in the field of forensic science through the California Criminalistics Institute (CCI).

The Richmond DNA Laboratory replaces a former facility in Berkeley. The building that houses the new Richmond DNA Laboratory was designed by Interactive Resources, Architects and Engineers, of Richmond. The building was originally the home of Pixar, before their move to Emeryville.