LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Scientists at the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab say they’re already seeing improvements a year after they began working in the new building.

The lab opened Oct. 26, 2015, and is 15,000 square feet bigger than the previous facility, giving the department’s nearly 30 employees more room to work and process evidence.

Patrol spokeswoman Deb Collins says there are continuing improvements processing backlogs in sections of the facility. The new lab also has technological upgrades, including a remote firing apparatus to keep forensic scientists safe when testing possibly faulty guns.

The lab provides services free to law enforcement statewide.