Forensic group NevadaCSI looking to build a center in Henderson

Working in the forensic science field, Rick Workman sees there is a need to have more resources, whether it’s more forensic scientists and crime scene analysts or more equipment and funding.

With his group NevadaCSI, he is hoping to find ways to fill that need.

The organization recently announced its goal to raise $30 million to build a forensic science center in Henderson.

“It’s kind of an interesting prospect,” Workman said. “It’s a private organization, raising private donations for a public operation.”

NevadaCSI is a volunteer organization composed of forensic science employees from all over Clark County.

The group, which has been around for nearly a decade, has worked to promote and educate the community about forensic science.

For the last year, Workman said the organization has looked at becoming more active in the community. Its most prominent idea is to raise money to build a new forensic science center.

Tim Fassette, who works at the forensic lab in Henderson and volunteers for the organization, said that a city of this size could benefit from a crime lab.

“Two crime labs for a city that has 2 million people isn’t enough,” he said. “If you look at other cities with similar populations, they have more (forensic labs).”

Fassette said even with the hard-working group processing various types of forensic evidence, the labs can get backlogged.

In the last few months, Adam Laxalt, Nevada’s attorney general, has stepped up efforts to end the backlog of more than 8,000 rape kits in the state. About 5,600 are from Clark County.

However, Workman said even after the state ends the backlog, there is still a need for another processing center.

“There are two labs in Las Vegas,” he said. “Even if we clear up the backlog, what prevents us from getting another one?”

He added that doesn’t even include other types of crime that needs evidence processed, from analyzing fingerprints to processing alcohol and drug tests.

“Having another lab is a no-brainer,” Workman said.

In addition to having another facility, he said this would be a great time to expand education opportunities in forensic science.

Workman said he reached out to Nevada State College to see about having the facility near or on the campus, which would help with collaborative efforts.

He foresees the center offering internships and firsthand experience to students.

Right now, the organization is just starting to reach out to potential donors and is trying to collect the funds.

Workman said the idea has a long way to go until it manifests.

“I feel optimistic about this,” he said. “I’ve reached out to a lot of people who are interested in seeing this center open.”

Visit nevadacsi.com.

To reach Henderson View reporter Michael Lyle, email mlyle@viewnews.com or call 702-387-5201. Find him on Twitter: @mjlyle.