Berkeley County approves $1 million for Tri-County Biological Science Center
January 31, 2024
Tri-County Biological Science Center to Alleviate Backlog in Criminal Investigations
Berkeley County approved a $1,000,000 contribution toward the construction of a new Tri-County Biological Science Center for local forensic services. The Biological Science Center project is a partnership among Berkeley, Dorchester, and Charleston counties. At its meeting Monday, January 22, 2024, Berkeley County Council approved the funding in an agreement with Charleston County. View the agreement HERE.
DNA will be processed at the Biological Science Center, helping increase the capacity and efficiency of DNA testing in the Tri-County area while also speeding up local criminal investigations and reducing the backlog at the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s Forensic Services Laboratory.
The Biological Science Center will be located at 3765 Leeds Avenue in North Charleston. Charleston County is currently in the project’s design development phase.
Construction is scheduled to start June 2024 with final completion in late 2025. Following the completion of construction, the two-year accreditation process will begin. Tom Van Koughnett was named Director in August 2022. View the announcement HERE.
“This new Biological Science Center will dramatically improve the turnaround time for crime scene and forensic science investigations in Berkeley County and beyond. Processing DNA in a timelier manner will also aid our judicial process and alleviate overcrowding at our jail. We are incredibly grateful and proud of the Tri-County teamwork on this Charleston County-led initiative and look forward to seeing the positive results of its impact for years to come.” -Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis
“We appreciate Berkeley County Government’s commitment to this community by contributing to the Tri-County Biological Science Center. It will serve as a viable solution to the regional forensic testing needs of the area and provide timely analysis services which will help speed up the investigative process and provide quicker answers for victim’s families.” -Charleston County Deputy County Administrator of Public Safety Eric Watson
“As Dorchester County Sheriff, I am proud to see our community taking a proactive stance on forensic services. Dorchester County’s $1 million contribution to the Tri-County Biological Science Center underscores our commitment to advancing the efficiency of DNA testing in the Low Country. Together with our regional partners, we are paving the way for a more robust and responsive approach to law enforcement, benefitting the safety and well-being of our citizens.” -Dorchester County Sheriff L.C. Knight
