New police lab may include science academy for children

Demolition recently began for the new East patrol police station and crime lab at 2640 Olive. Construction is expected to be completed by late 2015.

The new East Patrol police station and Kansas City Police crime lab is likely to include a science school.

Linda Netzel, crime lab director, told the Board of Police Commissioners Tuesday that she is working toward creating such an academy at the site near 2640 Olive St.

Mayor Sly James told her to explore using city, private sector and community resources to make it happen.

James, who recently returned from a national gun summit, said positive influences are desperately needed on the East side and among all low-income populations with high homicide rates.

“We have slow motion mass murder (nationwide) that is wiping out black males from 19 to 27,” he said.

Netzel said in an interview that she envisions the academy as an after school activity available to all school ages, from elementary to high school.

Some of her lab scientists would work with community partners to teach science, technology and the wonder of it to children, she said,

“They’re sponges so they can soak this stuff up if you can get it to them,” she said.