Crime & Safety

Illinois Crime Labs: 45,000 Evidence Items Secured Statewide

A night scene shows emergency responders in white hazmat suits with air tanks and bright orange boots, standing near a fire truck and a folding table. They are consulting with a man in a blue shirt who is holding a radio. In the background, an ambulance with red emergency lights is visible, along with a medical stretcher. The scene is illuminated by emergency vehicle lights, creating a tense atmosphere.

Photo: Country Herald

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Springfield, IL – Illinois State Police is highlighting the scientists and investigators working behind the scenes of criminal cases as the state observes Forensic Science Week through Saturday.

According to Illinois State Police, Gov. JB Pritzker proclaimed Sept. 20-26 as Forensic Science Week in Illinois, recognizing professionals who collect, examine and interpret evidence used in criminal investigations.

The ISP Division of Forensic Services operates seven laboratories across Illinois. Those facilities analyze evidence involving forensic biology and DNA, firearms and toolmarks, latent fingerprints, seized drugs, trace chemistry and toxicology.

The division also includes crime scene investigators and traffic crash reconstruction officers. ISP said its Statewide Evidence Vault securely holds more than 45,000 pieces of evidence.

While television programs and movies can portray forensic testing as nearly instantaneous, ISP said real-world forensic professionals must carefully identify and analyze evidence while maintaining accuracy and completeness.

The agency said it has worked since 2019 to reduce testing turnaround times by expanding the use of forensic technology and robotics and hiring additional scientists. ISP also said scientists are increasingly working collaboratively rather than analyzing data independently.

Forensic services are provided at no cost to law enforcement agencies across Illinois, according to state police.

ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly described forensic personnel as "hidden heroes" whose work supports criminal investigations and the justice system.

The agency is also using Forensic Science Week to highlight career opportunities for people interested in becoming forensic scientists.

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