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Listen to this articleCharleston, Berkeley and Dorchester county leaders recently broke ground on the Tri-County Biological Sciences Center, a 21,480-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility that will help reduce DNA processing times by streamlining the local forensic analysis process, according to a news release.
The project was announced as the first regional collaboration on DNA testing in state history.
When completed, the center, located at 3765 Leeds Avenue in North Charleston, will feature extensive laboratory and office space for forensic biological analysis, executive offices and secure evidence storage, according to the release. Additionally, the center will perform physical evidence testing for law enforcement agencies, assist with body identification for the medical examiner’s office and provide expert testimony to the justice system.
“This state-of-the-art facility and the talented team selected to operate it will transform the forensic analysis process in the tri-county region. It will mean increased resources, streamlined processes and ultimately faster processing times, all of which will help keep our communities safer and strengthen our justice system,” Charleston County Public Safety Commissioner Jenny Costa Honeycutt said in the release. “I want to thank everyone in Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties for making this project possible, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have in our region.”
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According to the announcement, construction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025. After construction, the center will begin a two-year certification process.
The total budget for the project approved by the Charleston County Council is $29 million.
“This is a historic day not only for our three counties, but for the state of South Carolina. This could not have been possible without committed partners who share our vision and understand the region’s forensic analysis needs,” Eric Watson, the county’s deputy administrator for public safety, said in the release. “Their continued commitment underscores the importance of this project and the need for collaboration to improve the criminal justice process. We look forward to expanding our partnership in the coming years.”
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