VCSO Opens New $12 Million Evidence Facility

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Daytona Beach, FL - It's a day to celebrate for the Volusia County Sheriff's Office.

The ribbon was cut this morning for a new $12 million dollar evidence facility on Tiger Bay Road, replacing the current one built in the 1930's.

Robert Martin - the man hired by Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood from Seminole County to run it - says the new one is a lot bigger and will be able to hold a lot more evidence than the old facility.

"Our linear shelving footage has increased by more than 50%," Martin added during a special tour of the facility provided to the media yesterday. "You'll see high-base storage that we'll be able to access about 20 feet up in the air."

The facility - which wrapped up construction a few months early - should become operational within the next few weeks, per Martin.

Chitwood says the new building will be the "envy of the state" and that there's no danger of losing accreditation now or of lacking the confidence to close cases in court because of improper storage.

Flooding issues, mold and peeling paint plagued the old building to the point where VCSO nearly lost accreditation, according to Chitwood.

Members of the Volusia County Council - who approved the money for the facility last February - were on hand for today's ceremony, including Chair Ed Kelley.

The new facility - which is located near VCSO's Stephen Saboda Training Center - has around 29,000 square feet of workspace and features brand new state-of-the-art efficiencies in air quality, safety and security as well as better storm protection.

The building also has over 5,000 square feet of covered storage for confiscated vehicles, areas to refrigerate and freeze evidence and decontamination areas for workers to shower or rinse their eyes.

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