Governor Braun invests in public safety, delivers long-overdue justice

Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 8:00 PM

Thanks to targeted investments in technology and law enforcement support under Governor Mike Braun, the Indiana State Police Cold Case Unit and Forensic Services Division are solving decades-old crimes and delivering long-overdue justice to Hoosier families.

In 2025, the Indiana State Police received a budget increase, including a 20.8% increase from under $15 million to $18 million for the ISP Forensic Laboratory, a boost of over $3 million – a vital resource for solving cold cases.

“For too long, families have waited for answers. We made smart investments in technology and cut red tape so our State Police can do their jobs more effectively. The results speak for themselves - criminals are being held accountable, no matter how much time has passed, and Hoosiers are safer because of it.” - Gov. Mike Braun

Gov. Braun prioritized funding for State Police technology and infrastructure while streamlining operations and reducing administrative costs. These reforms are already producing measurable results:

19% reduction in the DNA backlog
50% increase in automated DNA batch processing

These improvements have accelerated investigations and helped bring resolution to cases that had remained unsolved for decades.

Recent successes in 2026 include:

A homicide case from 1975 was solved, leading to the January 21, 2026 arrest of an Indiana resident in coordination with the San Diego Police Department—removing a dangerous individual from a Hoosier community more than 50 years later.
Advances in forensic technology helped secure charges and a conviction in the 1987 death of an infant in Ferdinand, delivering long-awaited justice.
A violent crime in 2000 in Dubois County involving armed robbery and carjacking was solved more than 25 years later, providing closure to the victims.

Through strategic investment, innovation, and a commitment to public safety, the Braun administration is ensuring that justice in Indiana is not limited by time.