New rapid DNA tool helps Oklahoma law enforcement agencies solve cases faster
By Ben Morgan – KRMG News11/19/2025 7:51am OKLAHOMA – Several police and sheriff agencies across northeastern Oklahoma now have access to a new tool that could help them solve cases faster thanks to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. The device, called a Rapid DNA Instrument, is a fully automated machine that can develop a DNA profile in about 90 minutes. OSBI officials said the machine is simple for officers and deputies to use. The instrument is only designed for single-source samples such as blood or saliva. Investigators place a sample into a cartridge, load it into the machine and receive a DNA profile an hour and a half later. Work on OSBI’s rapid DNA program began last year. The bureau opened its first rapid DNA workspace in Edmond in January, and the new Talequah location is its second. The machine is now available to agencies across northeastern Oklahoma, including the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Tahlequah Police Department, Muskogee Police Department, Haskell County Sheriff’s Office and others. Agencies can use the instrument for investigative leads after completing a free three-hour training course. Beth Deen, OSBI’s Rapid DNA program supervisor, said the ability to generate leads in under two hours is a major advantage for law enforcement. “It’s not just for OSBI agents to utilize — it’s for any Oklahoma law enforcement agency and the speed at which they can get information off of this instrument through search in a statewide rapid DNA database is really where the benefit comes so they have the ability to have that investigative lead information at the front of their investigation in just undertow hours while they might still be waiting on analysis from eh laboratory to be performed,” said Deen. Oklahoma law enforcement agencies interested in the program of the free training course can learn more here.
