A crime lab at SUNY Fredonia is still in the works.

“I’m calling it CSI Fredonia,” university President Stephen Kolison said during the University Council’s March meeting.

The crime lab is a collaboration between SUNY Fredonia and Chautauqua County. Kolison said SUNY Fredonia is seeking more operational aid from the state to help pay for the lab.

In the meantime, “we had a meeting this week (with county officials) to scope out areas that could be built, and a big meeting is coming soon,” Kolison said.

The crime lab would be tied to university programs but would also provide convenience, speed and cost savings to Chautauqua County law enforcement officials. They must currently go out of the county for crime lab services.

The lab would focus on DNA analysis and digital forensics.

Kolison asserted that local politicians at the state level, such as Assemblyman Andrew Molitor and Sen. George Borrello, support the crime lab project.

Interim Provost Judy Horowitz later said Buffalo architects Architectural Resources are doing a feasibility study for the crime lab. “We’ve identified three possible locations on campus,” she said.

The SUNY-county crime lab collaboration was originally announced in August.

“This partnership with SUNY Fredonia is a prime example of what’s possible when we think outside the box and commit to bold, forward-thinking solutions,” said Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel back in August. “By exploring the development of a forensic crime lab right here in Chautauqua County, we are not only investing in public safety, but we’re also enhancing educational opportunity and regional innovation. We fully support SUNY Fredonia’s forward-thinking vision and are proud to explore this opportunity together.

“I want to thank President Kolison and his team for their leadership and willingness to collaborate on a project that could benefit our residents for generations to come.”

“We are a resilient community, finding cost-saving workarounds when finances fall short,” said Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt in August. “There was a time our police could rely on outside forensic labs without delays — but as evidence submissions have surged statewide, those labs now limit what we can send and prioritize their own local cases. These delays challenge our investigations. That’s why we aim to build a local forensic lab — dedicated to Chautauqua County’s needs. SUNY Fredonia is a perfect location, with this lab we hope to expand academic programs, boost student enrollment, and create a win-win for public safety and education.”

“A local forensic crime lab would be an invaluable resource for every law enforcement agency in Chautauqua County,” said Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone in August. “Right now, we face long waits and significant logistical hurdles when sending evidence out of the area. This initiative has the potential to centralize forensic services, reduce turnaround time, and improve outcomes across the board. I commend SUNY Fredonia and county leadership for recognizing the importance of this partnership.”