Michigan State Police will close its Northville Forensic Science Laboratory and transfer operations to other laboratories across the state, saying the facility will need more than $20 million in repairs and maintenance in the years ahead.
State Police made the announcement June 17, noting the decision was based on an independent assessment that considered the age of the facility, the cost of maintaining a suitable work environment and available alternatives.
The move is not expected to result in a loss of jobs or services, the agency said.
“While this closure will reduce the number of laboratories in our statewide laboratory system, it will not result in the layoff of any staff or a reduction in any services for our criminal justice partners,” MSP Director Col. James F. Grady II said.
The Northville lab, located at 42145 Seven Mile Road in Northville Township, opened in 1976 and employs about 60 staff members.
The lab currently provides services related to crime scene response, DNA, latent prints, seized drugs and trace evidence, its website says.
State police said all staff and services will be relocated to other laboratories within the agency’s statewide forensic science network, but an exact closing date is not yet known, as the transition hinges on completion of an additional 10,000 square feet of laboratory space at the metro Detroit facility.
That addition could take a year or longer, the agency said.
State police said they intend to minimize disruptions for law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and others who rely on the laboratory’s services during the transition.
“The MSP Forensic Science Division remains committed to providing high-quality and timely forensic science services to our criminal justice partners, and we will work to ensure this closure does not impact significantly those who rely on our services,” Grady said.
The Northville Laboratory is one of seven forensic science facilities operated by Michigan State Police, with other locations in Bridgeport, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Marquette, Grayling and Detroit.
Contact reporter Laura Colvin: lcolvin@hometownlife.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Why the Michigan State Police Northville forensic lab is shuttering
Reporting by Laura Colvin, Hometownlife.com / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Laura Colvin, Hometownlife.com | USA TODAY Network
