Date: September 23, 2026
Prepared by: Joseph Bober, Public Information Officer
Email: PIO@flaglersheriff.com
Release #: 2026 – 204
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has added cutting-edge forensic DNA collection technology to its Crime Scene Investigations Unit with the addition of the M-Vac Forensic DNA Collection System.
The M-Vac System (Photos via M-Vac Systems)
The M-Vac System is a wet-vacuum based forensic DNA collection device. Using a sterile solution and vacuum to dislodge and collect DNA material for processing, the M-Vac can produce DNA profiles in situations where traditional methods such as swabbing and cutting have failed to produce viable results. The device can be used on almost any surface and can capture DNA material on porous, rough, or textured surfaces that are often difficult, if not impossible, to reach using other methods. It is also scalable and can cover larger surface areas, typically collecting more DNA material than other methods.
The M-Vac’s ability to capture a large amount of DNA material from a variety of surfaces, even when other DNA methods have yielded inconclusive or only partial profiles, makes it ideal for use in cases that have stalled or gone cold due to lack of evidence.
“We’re always seeking to be at the forefront of technology, and having this DNA collection method in our crime lab will allow us to improve our capability to solve crimes,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “This device has helped agencies across the country solve crimes that were otherwise unsolvable, so it will be especially valuable for our Cold Case Unit detectives to work with our crime scene investigators as we seek to bring closure to some of our longest-running cases. If I was a murderer or rapist of a cold case in Flagler County, I would be very worried. The evidence is closing in to get you.”
The M-Vac is the latest technology implemented in the FCSO Crime Lab under Sheriff Staly to locate evidence faster and increase the solvability of cases. In 2024, FCSO added the Arrowhead Forensics Full Spectrum Imaging System II to capture fingerprints and biological evidence that were previously undetectable.
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