Thanks to a $990,730 grant from the National Institute of Justice, the Michigan State Police (MSP) Forensic Science Division now has a new information management system that has automated the tracking of DNA samples from convicted offenders, decreasing the time it takes for a sample to be entered into the state's Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). 

Michigan is the fifth state, plus the FBI, to employ this timesaving technology.

"By utilizing technology to further improve efficiency, our scientists will have more time to devote to the confirmation process of CODIS matches," stated Capt. Michael Thomas, commander of the MSP Forensic Science Division.  "We will also benefit from improved quality control, as well as enhanced tracking of data associated with the sample."

The CODIS is a national database that allows for DNA profiles from open cases and convicted felons to be compared nationwide.  The Identification Profiling System Act mandates the collection of DNA samples for all convicted felons.

On average, MSP forensic scientists process approximately 30,000 samples each year.  Michigan maintains the sixth largest CODIS database in the country.