DIMONDALE — Faced with repair and maintenance costs that exceed $20 million over the next several years, the Michigan State Police has decided to close its Northville Forensic Science Laboratory and transfer the services and staff to the department’s other laboratories.

This decision comes following an independent assessment of the Northville Forensic Science Laboratory that considered the age of the facility, the financial investments necessary to maintain a suitable work environment and a review of available operational alternatives.

“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,” stated Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. “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.”

The exact date for the closure is contingent upon the build-out of 10,000 square feet of additional laboratory space at the Metro Detroit Laboratory, which may take 12 months or more to complete.