To function as a cohesive and trustworthy team of forensic science professionals committed to strengthening the criminal justice community of Michigan with science, quality, and professionalism.

ASCLD/LAB ACCREDITED (SINCE 1984) 

Mr. John M. Collins, Jr.

Forensic Science Division Director

Ms. Julie L. French

Assistant Division Director

Quality Assurance & Standards

 Inspector L. Scott Marier 

Assistant Division Director

Laboratory Operations & Services

The Forensic Science Division of the Michigan Department of State Police is a fully accredited network of seven regional forensic science laboratories that employ over 250 scientists, technicians, managers, and support personnel.  Auxiliary locations providing polygraph testing services to the Michigan criminal justice system are also strategically located throughout the state.  The headquarters office for the Forensic Science Division is located next to the Lansing laboratory facility at 7320 N. Canal Road in Lansing, Michigan 48913.

The goals of the division's leadership are broad and complex.  Beyond the scope of our core mission, we are also engaged in efforts to become a model for the effective and efficient delivery of services by a governmental agency and the improvement of our utilization of taxpayer dollars.

Our Services

State-of-the-art forensic laboratory services, including crime scene response, controlled substances identification, document examination, polygraph testing, latent print identification, AFIS screening, DNA testing, toxicology analysis, blood/alcohol analysis, firearms and toolmark identification, arson evidence analysis, serological testing, and trace evidence analysis, are provided to submitting agencies throughout the state of Michigan.

Representatives of the Forensic Science Division regularly appear in court to provide expert testimony regarding the evidence and analytical procedures used.  During fiscal year 2010, for example, Forensic Science Division personnel completed more than 100,000 forensic assignments, offered expert testimony on more than one thousand court cases, and responded to 203 crime scenes.

Our Vision

We envision an improved quality of life for the citizens, families, and businesses of Michigan as our laboratories use scientific methods to quickly and reliably identify criminals in our society before they become violent.  We also envision working in close collaboration with the criminal justice community of Michigan as trusted and valued partners in the investigation, adjudication, and reduction of crime in our state.  Our laboratories will serve as centers of scientific integrity and technical knowledge while acting quickly to support the most serious investigations and criminal proceedings.  Our laboratories will continually improve and promote effective and efficient methods in the use of forensic evidence to support the pursuit of justice and safety across Michigan. 

For forensic scientist and forensic technician employment opportunities, visit the State of Michigan Job Postings.  For questions on potential internship placements or volunteer work at one of the Forensic Science Division forensic laboratories, please contact the director of the laboratory for which you may be interested at the phone number listed below.