Kane County Receives $1 Million Federal Grant to Enhance Forensics Laboratory
Kane County Receives $1 Million Federal Grant to Enhance Forensic Laboratory
Kane County has received $1 million in federal funding to enhance the Kane County Forensic Laboratory, helping strengthen its ability to support criminal investigations and provide timely forensic results.
Established in 2023, the laboratory is a joint effort of the Kane County Sheriff's Office, Coroner's Office and State's Attorney's Office.
“As criminal activity becomes increasingly sophisticated, our ability to investigate must continue to evolve," said Kane County Coroner Dr. Monica Silva.
The laboratory has six dedicated rooms supporting its forensic operations. The main laboratory area contains four rooms, including three dedicated to DNA testing. The first DNA room is used for evidence examination and sampling, while the second will be[used for DNA extraction and houses the laboratory's Rapid DNA instrument. The third DNA room is designed for DNA amplification and separation of DNA fragments to generate profiles through the conventional testing process, which will allow DNA results to be used for court purposes once the laboratory achieves accreditation.
The fourth room in the main laboratory is dedicated to seized drug analysis and open-container analysis. An additional room across from the main laboratory provides office space and an area for evidence submission. The sixth laboratory room, located in the Coroner's Office, is dedicated to toxicology testing.
The $1,031,000 federal grant will primarily support three areas of improvement:
- Laboratory instrument and workflow validation: Funding will support the testing and validation necessary to demonstrate that laboratory instruments and procedures meet accreditation requirements.
- Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS): The laboratory will purchase software to streamline evidence submission, track the testing process and document the chain of custody.
- Toxicology testing equipment: Funding will be used to purchase a toxicology screening instrument to expand the laboratory's testing capabilities.
“This laboratory will change how quickly we can solve and prosecute cases in Kane County," said Kane County State's Attorney Jamie Mosser. “When investigators and prosecutors aren't waiting in line for results from a lab, we can identify suspects sooner, hold them accountable sooner, and keep our community safer. Faster answers lead to stronger cases and better outcomes for the people we serve."
Currently, laboratory results support investigations but cannot be submitted as evidence in court because the facility is not yet accredited. Additional equipment, software and staff are needed to meet accreditation requirements. Once those are in place, the accreditation process could take up to two years.
“Ultimately, this is about more than a forensic laboratory," said Kane County Board Chairman Corinne Pierog. “It's about working together, making smart investments and finding solutions that protect our communities."
On Oct. 30, U.S. Rep. Bill Foster presented a ceremonial check to Kane County leaders. The funding was secured through Congress' Community Project Funding program.
“As a scientist, I know how valuable it is to have the right tools and technology to solve problems. And this laboratory will strengthen the ability to support criminal investigations, to assist law enforcement, and provide answers to families," Foster said.
