The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) Scientific Analysis Bureau has turned a formidable challenge – chronic casework and database backlogs – into a model of forensic efficiency. With 20,000 annual uploads to CODIS and 45 staff handling high-stakes DNA analysis, the lab faced aging equipment, space limitations, and staff turnover. Yet today, its turnaround time averages just 43 days, and its backlog has dropped from 35,000 to nearly zero.

Technology that Works Smarter

DPS credits this transformation to smart tech adoption and a strong partnership with Promega. The game changers: Promega’s Spectrum CE System and PowerPlex 35GY System, and our Technical Support & Training and Validation Services teams. Together, they delivered:

• Streamlined workflows via single-protocol amplification and intuitive instrument design.
• Robust support – validation help, on-site training, and responsive customer service described as different as “day and night” compared to prior vendors.
• Superior data – including 11 Y-STR loci critical for resolving complex mixtures and enabling familial searches.

Figures in the case study show clean electropherograms from both 15-year-old archived samples and direct-amplified DNA – clear signs of robust performance.

Future-Proofing the Lab

Arizona DPS isn’t stopping there. With validated Spectrum CE instruments in place, the lab is preparing to:

• Expand its familial DNA protocols with cradle-to-grave compatibility.
• Migrate from aging 3500 platforms.
• Validate Y-STR workflows across the board.

And yes – there’s a 24-capillary Spectrum CE on their wish list.

Lessons from the Front Lines

This journey also highlighted best practices:

• Plan for space early. DNA wasn’t a priority in 1990s floorplans. It is now.
• Choose user-friendly systems. New staff (and even seasoned pros) need confidence. DPS analysts could complete 95 % of the workflow without the manual.
• Treat your vendor like a partner. DPS prioritized service alongside specs – and it paid off.

Bottom Line: Arizona DPS didn’t just adopt new tools – they built a strategic foundation around them. By emphasizing practical validation, phased deployment, and reliable vendor support, they modernized their lab in a way that’s both scalable and sustainable.