MONCKS CORNER, S.C. — Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis joined local and regional leaders Monday to mark the opening of the Tri-County Biological Science Center, a first-of-its-kind regional DNA-testing collaboration in South Carolina designed to strengthen public safety and speed the pursuit of justice.
The new 21,000-square-foot facility, located at 3765 Leeds Avenue in North Charleston, will serve law enforcement agencies across Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. The center features advanced forensic biology laboratories, executive offices and secure evidence storage, allowing investigators to analyze physical evidence locally rather than relying on overburdened outside labs.
Officials say the center will support criminal investigations, assist coroners with the identification of human remains and provide expert forensic testimony in court.
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“Today isn’t just about opening a building. It is about opening doors to justice, answers, and healing for people in our community,” Lewis said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This center represents what can happen when counties come together with a shared purpose: serving victims, protecting the innocent, and strengthening public safety across the Tri-County area.”
The project is the result of a multi-county partnership between Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. Lewis thanked Berkeley County Council for approving funding for the center and credited Charleston County leaders for their collaboration in bringing the regional facility online.
From a practical standpoint, officials say the impact will be immediate. With DNA evidence now processed locally, investigators expect significantly faster turnaround times, quicker investigative leads and reduced delays for victims and families awaiting answers.
“From a human standpoint, this is a game changer,” Lewis said. “For victims and their families, waiting months, or even years, for DNA results can feel like reliving trauma over and over again. Faster testing allows us to move more quickly toward justice, closure, and healing.”
The new center is also expected to ease pressure on the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s Forensic Services Laboratory, which has faced long backlogs in recent years. By keeping testing within the region, agencies can move cases forward more efficiently while maintaining strict standards for accuracy and security.
“DNA doesn’t just help us identify suspects. It also helps us clear those who are innocent,” Lewis said. “Faster access to accurate forensic science strengthens trust in the justice system by ensuring investigations are thorough, fair, and based on facts.”
County leaders say the Tri-County Biological Science Center represents a major step forward for Berkeley County and its regional partners, reinforcing cooperation across jurisdictions while improving outcomes for victims and communities throughout the Lowcountry.
