Design Like A J.E.D.I: Louisiana State Police Designing for Diversity
Introduction
Over the next year, the focus of this column will be on sharing insights on how to better support forensic facilities and their staff in the drive towards justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. As forensic science moves forward into the future, lab environments must adapt to reflect the increasing diversity and changing needs of the workforce, supporting well-being and productivity to foster a culture of inclusivity.
Rethinking lab design for a diverse workforce
Growing up in South Korea, I experienced firsthand the challenges of living in a modest home. My family of five resided in a single-bedroom house without internal plumbing, relying on an outhouse, a public well for fresh water, and public baths for our daily needs. These early experiences deeply shaped my understanding of what it means to live without basic amenities. This experience has driven me throughout my career to advocate for and support human rights and fundamental human needs through thoughtful design.
As I embarked on my career in design, creating facilities that prioritize wellness became a deeply personal mission. While I have faced many challenges as a woman in architecture, I am part of a growing paradigm shift. Today, over 50 percent of the design industry is composed of women whose meticulous attention to detail and comprehensive understanding of the design process are reshaping the architectural field. This evolution within the design industry has prompted me to reflect on how other sectors, especially those traditionally dominated by men, are also adapting to their changing landscape.
Over the past decade, I have visited more than 60 forensic laboratories and medical examiner facilities across this great country and internationally. Each of my visits has been an opportunity to view these spaces with empathy and through a designer’s lens. I have considered how we, as designers, can support a forensic industry that serves the public good while it faces unique challenges, including outdated infrastructure, a dearth of specialized lab and support spaces, poor or outdated facility functionality, and an increasing need to support the well-being of building occupants.
Inclusion in forensic science
Historically, modern laboratories were designed based on standards from the 1960s, including fixed and uncontrollable interior temperature and humidity levels, antiquated metrics for countertop and casework heights, and equipment positions tailored to the male body measurements. These outdated norms are becoming increasingly insufficient as the forensic science professions evolve. Today, women make up over 65 percent of professionals in fields such as forensic science and Medicolegal death investigation, taking on roles once dominated by men. As time moves on, it is crucial to recognize and address these changes, ensuring that our lab environments meet the needs of a diverse workforce.
Ken Mohr, Forensic Subject Matter Expert with Crime Lab Design, and I recently interviewed Erica Sparacino, forensic DNA manager, and Captain Chad Guidry, director of the Louisiana State Police (LSP) Crime Lab, to discuss the lab's evolution, the role of technology, and the future of forensic science. LSP, like many facilities in the U.S., has awaited a new, state-of-the-art building for decades. The lab is experiencing rapid growth in case volume, necessitating more staff and efficient functional spaces. As forensic science continues to evolve in caseloads, methodologies, and technology, laboratories like LSP Crime Lab must expand their capabilities to keep pace.
Challenges and opportunities in a changing field
Erica reflected on her experiences at LSP since 2008, underscoring the continuous need for training to meet the evolving demands of forensic science. The lab is currently designing a new building to replace outdated facilities and better accommodate its predominantly female workforce. With a staff of 144, of whom 90 percent are women, rethinking the design of these spaces is essential. Over the last 50 years, societal attitudes towards women working in careers in general have also evolved significantly, and therefore, there is greater acceptance and encouragement for women to pursue their long-term occupational goals.
Erica discussed how the agency has adapted to the growing number of women: “We’re seeing a significant rise in female applicants, likely due to increased interest and the pursuit of stable, well-supported jobs,” she explained. “Historically, men were the primary breadwinners, but now more women are seeking fulfilling careers with good benefits. The State Police Crime Lab offers excellent working hours and state benefits, providing a secure career path without some of the risks associated with active-duty roles.”
Notably, the new facility will exceed the minimum restroom requirements set by the International Building Code (IBC) to address the increased need for female restrooms, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and practical support for its workforce.
Bridging the generational and gender gaps
While forensic building design is on its way to addressing the needs of changing demographics, there are ongoing challenges associated with rising caseloads and not enough qualified staff to occupy open positions. To address short staffing issues, some labs on the bleeding edge of technology have implemented innovative solutions such as RFID-based evidence tracking systems, automated guided vehicles and robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency. Facilities in Asia and the Middle East have already been well underway in the integration of AI, machine learning, and robotics to assist with simple daily tasks due to staffing shortages in emerging economies. However, at least within the context of Louisiana State Police operations and needs, Captain Guidry expressed concerns about the feasibility and cost of these advanced technologies due to budget constraints.
Our conversation with Erica and Captain Guidry also touched on the generational gap that can be apparent when adapting modern technologies. As with our country’s collective patterns during the Technology Revolution, younger staff members are commonly more open and ready to leverage the latest advancements, while older staff may require additional training and support to understand the advantages of such technology. To foster a more inclusive and diverse workplace, Erica and Captain Guidry suggested some policy changes and initiatives to facilitate wider integration of emerging platforms, including increasing pay and new benefits to attract candidates that might otherwise go into private industry and stipends for technology training.
Looking ahead: inclusive design for the future
My conversation with Erica and Captain Guidry was an engaging conversation on the forensic sciences profession from their unique perspectives. Over the next 12 months, Crime Lab Design’s goal is to continue to share insights into what we’ve learned, both through our own experiences and the experiences of forensic lab leaders and users, so that our design community can better support these facilities and their staff. Facility design approaches must be adaptable and able to respond to industry changes, both in demographics and technology while considering the unique needs of each space. Designs must also be tailored to meet each lab’s unique challenges, ensuring the spaces seamlessly align with their specific procedures and methodologies rather than becoming obstacles to their success.
As the forensic science field continues to evolve, it is essential that lab environments evolve with it. By designing spaces that reflect the diversity and changing needs of the workforce, we can create environments that support the well-being and productivity of all who work there. This journey toward inclusivity is not just about the design of physical spaces but also about supporting a culture that values and supports everyone.
Over the next 12 months, Ken Mohr, President of HERA, and Jinhee Lee, AIA, NCARB, CDT, will present a monthly column that delves into the perspectives of lab directors and managers to explore the ins and outs of inclusive design in Design Like A J.E.D.I.
All opinions expressed Design Like A J.E.D.I are exclusive to the author and are not reflective of Lab Design News.
