Sheriff Eddie Cathey is proud to announce another major milestone for the Union County Sheriff’s Office (UCSO) Crime Laboratory. Building upon its previous accreditations in friction ridge (fingerprint) analysis and blood alcohol toxicology, the UCSO Crime Laboratory has now earned additional scopes of accreditation in seized drug analysis and ante-mortem blood drug testing from the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), meeting the internationally recognized ISO 17025 standard.

These additional accreditations are the result of countless hours of hard work, preparation, and rigorous assessments over the past several months. The dedication of the Crime Laboratory’s personnel has positioned the UCSO as the only sheriff’s office in North Carolina to hold accreditation in these four forensic disciplines.

By expanding its forensic capabilities, the UCSO can now conduct seized drug testing and blood drug analysis in-house. This means DWI cases, evidence seized during narcotics operations, and other investigations involving controlled substances can be processed more efficiently. In 2024 alone, the UCSO submitted over 1,700 narcotics cases to the NC State Crime Lab for analysis, where test results often took between 8 to 12 months to be returned. By performing these analyses in-house, our personnel will significantly reduce wait times, allowing for faster case resolutions and more efficient prosecution of criminal offenders.

The UCSO Crime Laboratory is staffed with a team of highly trained forensic professionals dedicated to ensuring accuracy and efficiency in evidence analysis:

• Laboratory Director – oversees operations, quality assurance, and accreditation compliance

• 2 Forensic Chemists – conduct drug analysis and toxicology testing

• 4 dual-role CSI/Criminalists – specializing in friction ridge examinations, chemistry and crime scene investigations.

• 1 full-time CSI – assigned to the Town of Indian Trail Division

• 2 Evidence Technicians – manage the intake, storage, and processing of forensic evidence

Sheriff Cathey commends the tireless efforts of the UCSO Crime Laboratory team and adds,

"These accreditations are a testament to the expertise and dedication of our personnel. Their commitment to forensic excellence directly enhances our ability to serve and protect the residents of Union County. The ability to conduct this testing in-house will have a profound impact on our justice system, helping cases move forward faster and ensuring that justice is served in a timely manner."

Additionally, Sheriff Cathey would like to recognize Crime Lab Director Lindsey Richards for recently earning her doctorate degree in forensic science. Over the past two years, Director Richards has worked diligently to achieve this educational milestone while simultaneously developing and managing the UCSO Crime Lab.

Sheriff Cathey extends his gratitude to the residents of Union County and the Union County Board of County Commissioners for their funding, assistance, and guidance throughout this process.