Gastonia, February 14, 2026
The Gastonia Police Department has enhanced its crime-solving capabilities by acquiring a Rapid DNA system, funded by a federal grant of $629,000. This system allows for DNA sample processing in hours, significantly speeding up investigations. Police Chief Trent Conard emphasized the impact on public safety and the potential to improve case resolution. The Rapid DNA system will operate within the department’s Crime Scene Investigation Unit, aiding in the identification of suspects and supporting the judicial process.
Gastonia – The Gastonia Police Department has significantly enhanced its crime-solving capabilities with the acquisition of a cutting-edge Rapid DNA system, made possible by a substantial federal grant of $629,000. This development marks a pivotal moment for law enforcement in Gaston County, as the Gastonia Police Department becomes the first agency in the region to deploy this advanced technology, promising to revolutionize the speed and efficiency of criminal investigations.
Transforming Crime Investigations with Rapid DNA
The new Rapid DNA system enables the Gastonia Police Department to process DNA samples and generate profiles in a matter of hours, a drastic improvement over the weeks or even months previously required through traditional laboratory methods. This expedited processing is expected to provide investigators with timely leads, allowing for quicker identification of suspects and the swift exclusion of individuals not involved in criminal activity. The system will be housed within the department’s Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Unit, where trained CSI analysts and detectives will conduct the tests within a secure and controlled environment.
While the Rapid DNA technology serves as a powerful investigative tool, it is important to note that it complements, rather than replaces, accredited forensic laboratory testing and the judicial process. Its primary function is to furnish critical information early in an investigation, helping to guide detectives and accelerate case progression. The ability to obtain DNA results rapidly allows investigators to make more informed decisions sooner and significantly improves the overall efficiency in cases involving DNA evidence.
Impact on Public Safety and Justice
Police Chief Trent Conard emphasized the significance of this technological leap, describing it as a major advancement in crime investigation. The chief highlighted that Rapid DNA will provide investigators with timely information, leading to more efficient case resolution and reinforcing the department’s commitment to accuracy, accountability, and justice. This enhancement in forensic capabilities strengthens investigative efforts while upholding proper safeguards and evidentiary standards.
DNA evidence remains a crucial element in solving a wide array of criminal cases, including violent crimes, property crimes, and cold cases. The long-term potential of the Rapid DNA system includes improving clearance rates, building stronger cases, protecting innocent individuals, and ensuring that offenders are held accountable for their actions. The $629,000 federal grant is allocated to cover the costs of instruments, consumables, and software for the initial two to three years of operation. This investment underscores the Gastonia Police Department’s dedication to innovation, responsible policing, and the strategic deployment of modern tools to better serve the community, positioning the department at the forefront of law enforcement technology within the region.
Broader Context of Federal Forensic Funding
The federal grant received by the Gastonia Police Department is part of a broader nationwide initiative by organizations such as the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to enhance forensic science capabilities across the country. The BJA’s programs, including the DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) program, provide funding to states and local governments with existing crime laboratories. The primary goals of these programs are to increase the capacity of publicly funded forensic DNA and DNA database laboratories to process more DNA samples, reduce processing backlogs, improve the timeliness of testing, and boost the prosecution of violent cold case crimes where suspects have been identified through DNA evidence. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has allocated hundreds of millions of dollars since 2004 to support DNA analysis, enhance laboratory capacity, and fund forensic science research, demonstrating a sustained federal commitment to strengthening forensic infrastructure nationwide.
The adoption of Rapid DNA technology represents a nationwide trend towards integrating advanced forensic tools into daily law enforcement operations, allowing agencies to generate real-time intelligence that can significantly influence ongoing investigations and connect suspects to past crimes while they are still in custody. This focus on rapid analysis supports efforts to reduce crime and enhance public safety more effectively.
Gastonia and Gaston County have also been beneficiaries of other federal grants aimed at improving law enforcement. In 2024, Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds were utilized for various equipment needs, including thermal imaging devices for the Gastonia Police Department’s Domestic Violence Unit, annual fees for license plate readers, and equipment for the Gaston County Police Department and Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, the Gastonia City Council approved a federal COPS grant in early 2025 to establish a real-time crime center at police headquarters, further illustrating the ongoing investment in advanced crime-fighting technology within the city.
The implementation of the Rapid DNA system in Gastonia signifies a major leap forward for local law enforcement, empowering officers with faster, more efficient tools to combat crime and ensure justice for the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What new technology has the Gastonia Police Department acquired?
The Gastonia Police Department has acquired a Rapid DNA system.
How much was the federal grant received by the Gastonia Police Department?
The Gastonia Police Department received a federal grant of $629,000.
What is the main benefit of the Rapid DNA system for Gastonia police?
The main benefit is the ability to process DNA samples and create profiles in hours, rather than weeks or months.
Does the Rapid DNA system replace traditional forensic laboratory testing?
No, the Rapid DNA system does not replace accredited forensic laboratory testing or the judicial process. It serves as an investigative tool to provide critical information early in an investigation.
What types of crimes will this technology help solve?
DNA evidence continues to play a vital role in solving violent crimes, property crimes, and cold cases.
What does the federal grant specifically fund for the Rapid DNA system?
The grant will fund instruments, consumables, and software for the first two to three years.
What is the nationwide context of federal funding for forensic science?
The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) provides funding to states and units of local government with existing crime laboratories to increase the capacity of publicly funded forensic DNA and DNA database laboratories to process more DNA samples, thereby helping to reduce the number of forensic DNA and DNA database samples awaiting analysis and/or prevent a backlog of forensic and database DNA samples. (Nationwide)
Key Features of the Rapid DNA System and Grant
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Technology Type | Rapid DNA system capable of automated processing. | Local |
| Grant Amount | $629,000 federal grant. | Local |
| Processing Time | Processes DNA samples and creates profiles in hours, not weeks or months. | Local |
| Deployment | First agency in Gaston County to utilize this technology. | Local |
| Location | Housed in the Gastonia Police Department’s CSI Unit. | Local |
| Purpose | Investigative tool for timely leads, suspect identification, and exclusion of individuals. | Local |
| Funding Coverage | Covers instruments, consumables, and software for the first two to three years. | Local |
| Grant Source Context | Part of broader federal initiatives like the BJA’s DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) program. (Nationwide) | Nationwide |
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