South Georgia Legislators Work to Save Moultrie Crime Lab

ATLANTA (May 3, 2010) — Sen. John Bulloch (R-Ochlocknee), Rep. Jay Powell (R-Camilla), Rep. Penny Houston (R-Nashville), Rep. Ed Rynders (R-Albany) diligently worked with the Senate and House appropriations committees and General Assembly leadership to save the Moultrie Crime Lab.

“The Crime Lab is an invaluable resource to law enforcement in South Georgia,” said Bulloch. “I’m thankful we could work together to ensure the lab remains open and able to supply quality forensic services.”

“From the House perspective, the funding could not have happened without the leadership of Penny Houston and Jay Powell,” said Rynders. “Colquitt County is fortunate. They simply never gave up!”

“This is a real boost to South Georgia to reopen the crime lab. All of South Georgia law enforcement depends on the Moultrie lab,” said Houston. “This was a joint effort by all representatives and our senator. We must also thank Sherriff Al Whittington for his continuous support and motivation.”

These appropriations will allow the lab to remain open and operating even though it was scheduled to close in early April. The South Georgia lawmakers attained $400,000 for operating costs and $400,000 in bond money for renovations to the lab.

Crime Labs are run by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Laboratory scientists and technicians in specialized disciplines collect, analyze, and interpret all aspects of physical evidence for officers, investigators, and District Attorneys throughout the state. The analysts employ the most recent scientific technologies. Scientists are often required to present their findings in the form of expert courtroom testimony. Statewide availability of laboratory services are made possible through the headquarters laboratory in Decatur and regional laboratories in Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Moultrie, Savannah, and Cleveland.

Sen. John Bulloch serves as Chairman of the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee. He represents the 11th Senate District which includes Colquitt, Decatur, Early, Grady, Miller and Seminole counties and portions of Mitchell and Thomas counties. He may be reached by phone at 404.656.0040 or by e-mail at john.bulloch@senate.ga.gov.

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
May 3, 2010
For Information Contact:
Natalie Strong, Deputy Director
Katie Wright, Communications Associate
katie.wright@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028