Funding will be used to purchase analytical equipment for forensic laboratories

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Larry G. Trent announced today that the ISP was awarded $316,037 in grant funding from the National Institute of Justice via the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. The grant is part of the National Forensic Science Improvement Act Program and will be used to purchase analytical equipment for several laboratories. The arrival of this equipment will help increase the analytical effectiveness in several forensic disciplines throughout the ISP's laboratory system.

“This funding will help to improve the flow of casework and efficiency of our forensic science laboratories,” said Director Trent. “I would like to thank the National Institute of Justice and the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority for the assistance they provided with securing the grant for the Illinois State Police.”

The funding will be used to purchase analytical equipment for the Documents, Drug Chemistry, Trace Chemistry, Firearms, Latent Prints, and Toxicology sections at various laboratories. Additionally, the latent print processing area and Criminalistics Section will be remodeled at the Joliet Laboratory and Forensic Science Center at Chicago.

The goal of the National Forensic Science Improvement Act program is to improve the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of forensic science services. Laboratories located in Chicago, Carbondale, Joliet, Morton, and Springfield will receive equipment through the grant.