Union County police are hoping their new DNA testing certification will help solve crimes quicker throughout the Garden State.

The Union County Prosecutor's Forensic Laboratory is the first county laboratory in New Jersey to receive the accreditation.

Previously, DNA evidence had to be sent to the state police lab in Trenton for analysis and profiling. That process could take months to get results in some cases.

Authorities are hoping to cut that waiting period down to weeks and days.

"In solving crimes, speed is essential," says Theodore Romankow, the Union County prosecutor. "In solving homicides, it's mandatory to move as quickly as possible ? so this DNA laboratory will do that for us."

For more on the new lab, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.