GBI seeks software to speed DNA uploads and funds for regional office and vehicle replacements

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation outlined a package of technical, staffing and capital needs to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety.

The GBI’s representative told senators the agency wants a one‑time $618,170 licensing payment to acquire STAX (sample tracking and control systems) software to replace two older systems and to streamline the DNA-sample-to‑CODIS workflow; the agency estimated ongoing FY27 maintenance at $74,920. “This software will replace two current systems...that will streamline the process to get DNA samples...into the CODIS database quicker,” the director said.

On staffing, GBI described an FY26 move to annualize three human‑trafficking special-agent positions previously federally funded and explained that a grant that expired in August 2024 left a funding gap the state must cover. The agency said it currently has one digital‑forensic investigator vacancy to re-advertise and expects a typical fill cycle of roughly three months.

GBI also presented capital requests: design and construction funds for an expanded Region 10 investigative office and crime‑scene garage in Conyers (Rockdale County) to replace space at headquarters and to free up HQ room; and bonds to replace 40 vehicles statewide (33 sworn, 2 non-sworn and 2 admin). Committee members questioned rising cost estimates for construction and asked staff to verify inflation and design assumptions.

GBI reassured the committee that a planned API to integrate the statewide gang-case-management data (Formulatics) with GBI’s criminal street gang database would be managed in coordination with GEMA for funding while preserving agency access and investigative capability.

Senators requested additional procurement and timeline detail for STAX, hiring timelines for digital-forensics positions and updated construction cost estimates before final budget reconciliation.