U.S. Attorney McCoy Announces More Than $2 Million to Advance Forensic Science in the District of South Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., today announced more than $2 million in Department of Justice grants to the District of South Carolina to fund crime laboratories, decrease DNA backlogs, support basic and applied forensic research, and help law enforcement identify missing persons. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of $192 million in funding to advance forensic science nationwide.

“Developments in forensic science have given investigators an extraordinary array of tools that can be enlisted to solve crimes and bring answers to victims and survivors, often after many years and even decades,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These investments in crime-fighting technology, from DNA analysis to drug toxicology to forensic anthropology, will help identify and convict perpetrators, ensure justice for innocent victims and keep communities safe by deterring future criminal activity.”

“Our state and local partners are critical in advancing our mission to keep the people of South Carolina safe,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “These grants allow those partners to further their great work in forensic science, which in turn protects communities across the state.”

Since 2004, the Office of Justice Programs has received an annual appropriation for DNA and other forensic science activities. The funding, administered through OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and National Institute of Justice, supports DNA analysis, laboratory capacity enhancement and forensic science research that provides knowledge and tools to improve the quality and practice of forensic science.

The following organizations received funding:

• South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED);    
• South Carolina Department of Public Safety;           
• Clemson University;
• Richland County;
• York County;
• Beaufort County; and
• Greenville County.

A complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding is available here. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.