Forensics | Crime Lab Section

The Department of Public Safety Crime Laboratory conducts forensic examinations to include drug analysis, trace evidence (fibers, glass, paint), ballistics, arson, and questioned documents examinations. Employees prepare detailed reports of their examination to include their findings. The criminalists are regularly required to testify in judicial proceedings regarding their examinations. These services are offered on an equal basis to all law enforcement agencies in Greenville County.

The Crime Lab uses sophisticated instruments to identify unknown substances.

The ballistics tank is used to recover fired projectiles; the undamaged projectiles are used for comparison

Criminalists can identify samples of trace evidence collected from crime scenes when compared to known samples/standards. Firearms are tested for functionality and ballistic examination can determine if a bullet was fired from a specific firearm. These examinations can prove invaluable to investigators by placing a suspect at a crime scene or even eliminate an innocent person from suspicion.

The Department of Public Safety has recently entered into a partnership with Greenville Technical College where they have provided facilities for a DNA Laboratory on their campus. Under the partnership, Greenville County will provide the personnel and operational funding for the DNA Laboratory. We have the facility completed and equipment purchased and are in the process of selecting the staff for the DNA Laboratory.

The Crime Laboratory is currently staffed with three full time and one part time employee.

Contact Information

Department of Public Safety
Crime Laboratory Section
20 McGee Street
Greenville, SC 29601

Main Telephone:

864-467-5204