Charleston, SC — The Charleston Police Department proudly announces the official launch of its DNA Laboratory. This historic milestone is a significant advancement of forensic capabilities in the City of Charleston. The lab began accepting evidence in March 2025 following an exceptionally rigorous and multi-year preparation and accreditation process.
Approved by the Mayor and City Council in December 2022, the lab's development included hiring expert staff, validating specialized equipment, and establishing strict protocols. This effort reflects Charleston’s commitment to science-based policing and public safety innovation.
“This DNA lab was the vision of our widely respected and very own Judy Gordon, the first and only Forensic Services Director CPD has had since the division was created,” said Chief Chito Walker. “Over her remarkable 40-year career, Judy has shaped this division to grow alongside the needs of our community. She’s been a steady force, both brilliant and endlessly dedicated. Judy and her exceptional team of experts have consistently shown how powerful science can be in keeping people safe. Our community deserves the most advanced and accurate forensic services available, and that’s exactly what this team has delivered.”
The Charleston Police Department’s Forensic Services Division is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and meets internationally recognized standards for forensic testing laboratories. Before this expansion, the Division achieved accreditation in body fluid identification, digital and video imaging analysis, fire debris, fingerprint comparison, and drug analysis.
In February 2025, ANAB conducted an assessment to extend the Division’s accreditation to include DNA analysis. At the same time, ANAB performed an FBI Quality Assurance Standards audit to determine whether the laboratory met the strict requirements for eventual participation in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), which is the national DNA database used to link crimes and identify perpetrators. Both reviews confirmed that the Charleston lab met or exceeded every applicable standard.
What This Means for Charleston
DNA is one of the most powerful tools available in modern law enforcement. With in-house DNA testing capabilities, the Charleston Police Department can now:
- Identify perpetrators of both violent and non-violent crimes
- Test evidence from sexual assault cases even when a suspect has not yet been identified
- Improve turnaround times and deliver faster answers to victims and investigators
- Prioritize cases based on local needs, rather than wait in line for state-level testing
- Exclude innocent individuals and prevent wrongful convictions
- Conserve valuable investigative and criminal justice resources
- Assist in identifying missing persons
- Reduce the case backlog at other surrounding labs
- Increase safety and security throughout the Charleston community
“The launch of this lab allows us to harness the full potential of forensic DNA,” said Carol Palmer, DNA Technical Leader for the Division. “We’re now operating at the highest national standards and are better equipped than ever to support investigations, protect victims, and deliver justice.”
Today, the DNA Laboratory was ceremoniously opened during a ribbon cutting celebration attended by Forensic Services Division personnel, department leadership, and city officials. The event represented the conclusion of years of dedicated work and the beginning of a new era in forensic science for the City of Charleston.
###
Media Release
Release Date: April 9, 2025
Media Contact: Lt. A. Gibson