BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A grant application is being filed for Bellingham Police to secure new processing equipment.

Police Chief Rebecca Mertzig said at a City Council Meeting Monday that the dept. will apply for a $440,000 federal grant that would cover the costs of a Rapid DNA testing machine.

Current DNA testing used by the dept. can take anywhere from 48 hours to a year to process samples, depending on the seriousness of the crime. But a Rapid DNA machine can break down that process in as little as 90 minutes.

“I love it when technology catches up with television, because if you watch CSI,” Chief Mertzig began with a laugh. “Those are results probably within a 30-minute show. But we’re getting closer and closer to that being a reality.”

She emphasized that DNA samples put into the machine would only be taken from someone if probable cause is established or if a person is convicted of a crime.

Chief Mertzig also made the point that even if they are processed through the Rapid machine, samples will still need to be sent off to the state Crime Lab for additional analysis. However, she said that the opportunity to reduce the backlog in DNA testing will have an impact beyond the police dept.

“The timeliness is the big attraction there for major incidents,” Chief Mertzig said. “That’s pretty significant when you can get a DNA match potentially within 90 minutes. This serves victims and provides closure to our cases.”

If the grant is approved, the cost of the machine and any associated materials would be covered for three years.