SLED says DNA database turnaround about seven days; 14,485 reference samples analyzed in FY 24/25

Lieutenant Rhonda Fields told the subcommittee the DNA database team processes reference samples under SC Code 23‑3‑3620 and maintains custody of physical samples to permit reanalysis and confirmation.

"We completed the analysis of 14,485 database samples," Fields said, reporting 6,875 CODIS matches and 542 CODIS hit letters issued in FY 24/25. She said the department’s typical turnaround time for database (reference) samples is about seven days and that physical samples are currently retained indefinitely to permit confirmation and to allow reanalysis as technology advances.

Fields discussed compliance and sample quality: roughly 30% of database submissions lack essential information needed for processing, which can slow turnaround. To address that, the department has delivered in‑person collection training to agencies (21 agencies in FY 24/25) and developed pre‑log tools and mandatory fields in iLab to reduce errors. She said rapid DNA instruments are in use for reference samples and that the FBI’s approval of rapid DNA for crime‑scene samples is pending; SLED is preparing validation plans and stakeholder meetings to integrate that capability once cartridges and approval are finalized.

Lawmakers asked about ownership, sharing and deletion; Fields said SLED stores the physical sample and does not destroy reference samples currently, and that when state records are purged they are automatically removed from the national database.