Fate of OSP Pendleton crime lab uncertain

PENDLETON, Ore. (AP) – Plans to find a new home for the Oregon State Police crime lab in Pendleton are gaining momentum, but there are disagreements about what that will mean.

The East Oregonian reported Monday (http://bit.ly/2oBLvE7) that some elected officials in eastern Oregon want to see it move to Blue Mountain Community College from its current home in downtown Pendleton.

Gov. Kate Brown has proposed closing the lab and moving its staff to forensic facilities in Bend, Portland or Central Point.

A gnat infestation has severely affected operations at the Pendleton location, despite many efforts to eradicate the tiny bugs.

OSP says keeping the lab running as is would cost $1 million over the next two years.

But law enforcement, elected officials and prosecutors in the rural northeastern part of the state are opposed.