INDIANAPOLIS -- A new program that collects DNA evidence from firearms is already on its way to putting more criminals behind bars, police said.

The Marion County Crime Lab has several gun cases investigated under the new DNA pilot program heading to court right now, Indianapolis police spokesman Lt. Jeffrey Duhamell told 6News' Jack Rinehart.

The program, which just entered its fifth month, makes Indianapolis the only place in the country where street officers routinely collect DNA evidence from firearms, linking the guns to the suspects 80 percent of the time.

"It's better than what we expected," said crime lab Director Mike Medler. "The program, to this point, has been very positive. There've been a lot of positive effects in the field, for the investigators and the officers, as well as some of the results we've seen."

Officers make at least three attempts to recover genetic evidence from every firearm.

Investigators said it gives them an edge when questioning suspects.

"We've had cases where the suspect says, 'OK, you got me, it was my gun,' which, in a confession, goes a long way," said Capitan Craig Converse.

While officials said they don't believe the new testing will stop criminals from carrying weapons, they said it will make for more serious charges and longer prison terms when they are convicted.

"If we can get those individuals that we know are committing the criminal acts, a handgun associated with that particular person, then I think our case is much stronger when it comes down to court," Duhamell said.