FY24 Formula DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program

The Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement (LCLE) seeks to decrease all the state crime labs’ backlogs and decrease the sample turnaround times. In 2014, the Louisiana State Legislature mandated that each law enforcement agency report and monitor the testing of sexual assault kits. The state of Louisiana is facing stricter budgets, which directly impacts the funding available to all crime labs in the state. This reduction in funding could reduce the funding available for laboratory staff, supplies, equipment, service contracts, and training. The proposed 2024 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program award will be used by Louisiana to continue the work and success of previous years’ efforts and funding.

Efforts will be directed toward the goals of improving the quality and timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner services; eliminating or reducing the backlog of analysis of forensic science evidence; and training. LCLE will execute sub-awards with 2024 grant funds to five regional forensic laboratories (Acadiana Criminalistics Laboratory, City of New Orleans Police Department, North Louisiana Criminalistics Commission, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Southwest Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory), one parish coroner’s office (St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office), and the Louisiana State Police Crime lab. These funds will be used for specific objectives supporting the above stated goals including overtime for personnel, travel, training and registration expenses, equipment and supply purchases, equipment maintenance agreements, and consultants/contracts.