Operations have begun at the Illinois State Police (ISP) agency’s new forensic science laboratory in Decatur, which is anticipated to expand DNA testing capacity.

ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly stated, “The new lab will additional minimize backlogs and permit us to resolve crimes more rapidly and bring justice to all involved.” The lab was accredited final week, which permitted the leased facility to officially open.

The new 4-story ISP Decatur Forensic Science Laboratory situated along the U.S. Route 51 on the south side of Decatur will supply testing for law enforcement all through the state. Forensic scientists at the laboratory will examine proof collected from crime scenes and analyze biological material to determine DNA profiles from suspects.

The facility is the state’s seventh forensics lab and will also property Crime Scene Solutions.

According to the ISP, backlogs in testing for trace chemistry, drug chemistry, latent prints, firearms, toxicology, and footwear have all decreased by around 37% given that 2021.

“This top rated-tier facility will raise capacity to drastically minimize turnaround time for DNA testing, create fast final results, and additional minimize the case backlog,” stated Gov. JB Pritzker.

In June final year, the state had no pending sexual assault kits older than 180 days, which marked the 1st time the agency was capable to comply with the 2010 law aimed at eliminating the backlog. Now, Illinois State Police say the typical turn-about-time for a DNA case to be completed is three.six months.

The ISP laboratory program processes proof from criminal circumstances in seven disciplines: drug chemistry, trace chemistry, toxicology, biology/DNA, latent prints, firearms/toolmarks, and footwear/tire tracks.