When people think of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, they often picture deputies patrolling neighborhoods or investigators solving crimes. But behind the scenes, another critical part of law enforcement is at work, one that uses science to serve justice. In honor of National Chemistry Week, we’re spotlighting one of the agency’s unsung heroes: Meg Walker, one of LCSD’s in-house chemists.
Walker isn’t your typical lab scientist. While her work might take place behind closed doors rather than on the streets, her impact reaches every corner of the community. For more than nine years, she has analyzed narcotics, supported investigations and even testified in court, all while based in LCSD’s drug laboratory.
“I analyze suspected narcotics that are brought in off the road, whether they’re from our narcotics division or other surrounding agencies,” Walker explained. “Day to day, I could be collecting evidence, running analyses, writing reports or even explaining my findings in front of a jury.”
Having in-house chemists like Walker gives LCSD a major advantage. Instead of sending evidence to an external lab and waiting months for results, cases can be processed locally and more efficiently, helping ensure justice moves forward without unnecessary delay.
“The positives of having a chemist in-house are that we can focus directly on our community,” she said. “We’re expediting cases, making sure they’re done in a timely fashion and that we’re available to go to court when needed.”
From Delaware to Lexington County
Walker’s journey into forensic chemistry began long before she joined LCSD. Inspired by both of her grandfathers, one a lineman who taught her about physics, and another a chemist who worked with automotive paints, she grew up fascinated by how the world works.
“I’ve always loved mysteries and problem-solving,” Walker shared. “So when I got to college, I found a degree that combined those passions, forensic chemistry.”
She went on to earn her degree in forensic chemistry with a minor in criminal justice from York College of Pennsylvania. After graduating, she applied for a crime scene investigator position at LCSD, but fate had other plans.
“I didn’t realize at the time that most CSI positions here are law enforcement roles,” Walker said with a laugh. “But they told me a chemist position had just opened up. I didn’t fully know what it would entail until I showed up and I’ve loved it ever since.”
Science, service and a little NCIS
Inside the lab, Walker and her lab partner, Kyle, form a two-person team responsible for testing a range of substances, from narcotics to THC concentration in marijuana samples. Each case requires careful attention to detail and a deep understanding of chemical processes.
“The evidence comes into our lab, and then we start the process,” Walker explained. “We itemize everything, weigh it, do initial color tests and then run confirmatory testing using the gas chromatography mass spectrometer, or GCMS.”
For those wondering what that looks like, Walker offers a pop culture comparison.
“If you’ve ever seen NCIS, it’s kind of like the machine Abby Sciuto uses,” she said with a smile. “That was actually part of the agreement I had with my mom when I went into forensics. I could be like Abby, as long as I didn’t come home with tattoos and dog collars.”
Sharing her passion for science
Outside of the lab, Walker enjoys another aspect of her job just as much educating others. She visits local schools to talk about the world of forensics and inspire the next generation of scientists.
“I love going to schools and talking to kids about science and how cool it is,” she said. “When I tell them I work with drugs, they look shocked at first, but then I explain that I’m helping make sure those drugs don’t end up in schools or on the streets.”
She brings along test tubes, pipettes and other lab tools to help students visualize what she does. Her goal is simple: make science fun, accessible and relevant.
“With science, there’s always a problem to solve,” Walker said. “You see a reaction, you ask questions and you figure out why it happens. For me, it’s like solving one big mystery.”
Supporting justice through science
Walker’s work doesn’t end when the analysis is done. As an expert witness, she has testified in court more than 18 times in her nine years with LCSD, explaining her findings to juries in cases that impact real lives.
“Between November and April of this year, I had five trials back-to-back,” she said. “It’s a busy schedule, but it’s rewarding to see how our work in the lab helps move cases forward.”
Beyond the courtroom, Walker and her colleague collaborate closely with deputies, investigators, solicitors and defense attorneys to ensure every step of the process is accurate and transparent.
“We want to make sure the process is smooth for everyone: law enforcement, the solicitor’s office or even the public,” she said. “We don’t want anyone waiting on the justice system or otherwise waiting on a case because of delays in testing.”
Celebrating National Chemistry Week
As National Chemistry Week shines a spotlight on the vital role chemistry plays in our everyday lives, Walker’s story is a reminder that the field extends far beyond classrooms and laboratories. In Lexington County, chemistry is helping solve crimes, protect citizens and bring justice to the community.
“It’s science in action,” Walker said. “Every test we run and every result we report has a real impact on someone’s life.”
From inspiring students to ensuring accurate evidence in the courtroom, Walker’s work proves chemistry isn’t just about formulas, it’s about making a difference.
Interested in a career that combines science and public service?
Visit joinlcsd.com to learn more about how you can join a team committed to safety, integrity and innovation.