Colorado Springs police will open their own DNA lab Friday, which could help them and nearby agencies solve more crimes more quickly.

The $1.6 million DNA lab is only the second in the state operated by a local agency. State investigators have three DNA labs, but until now, Denver police were the only local department to have their own.

Colorado Springs officials say having their own lab will let them get results faster than waiting on the state labs.

They'll start with two analysts working on sexual assaults, homicides and other violent crimes in Colorado Springs and surrounding El Paso County.

They'll eventually expand to help police in Manitou Springs, Fountain and Woodland Park.

The lab has room for additional analysts who could work on property crimes.