Speeding Up Justice: New DNA Lab Aims to Cut Delays in the Lowcountry

A new DNA lab is set to open in North Charleston, aiming to speed up criminal investigations and reduce backlogs. This lab, the Tri-County Biological Science Center, is a joint effort by Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. It's a big step forward, as the area has struggled with delays in DNA analysis for years. The lab is expected to cut down the time it takes to process DNA evidence. Right now, samples from Charleston County are sent to the state's law enforcement division, which is overwhelmed with cases. This new facility will handle local cases more quickly, focusing on the most serious crimes first.The idea for this lab has been around for a while. It was first proposed in 2008 but didn't get approved due to funding issues. It took another 13 years for the counties to realize how badly they needed it. The backlog was getting worse, with people accused of crimes waiting years for forensic evidence to be processed. The lab is not just about speeding things up. It's also about accuracy and support. It will provide better tools and resources for law enforcement, prosecutors, and coroners. This means they can do their jobs more effectively and with more confidence. The lab is still a work in progress. It will take about two years to get accredited and another few years to get access to the FBI's DNA database. But once it's up and running, it could make a big difference in how quickly justice is served in the Lowcountry.