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NOPD Crime Lab Earns Full Accreditation; In-House DNA Testing Targeted for December 2027

12:10 AM, 12/06/2025

The New Orleans Police Department crime lab has earned full accreditation, strengthening confidence in its forensic work and courtroom testimony. Opened in 2022 after Hurricane Katrina, the lab already operates chemistry (narcotics), firearms (ballistics) and latent-print units and is building a biology division. DNA testing — currently performed by the Louisiana State Police — is expected to be available in-house by December 2027 after equipment purchase and staff training. Officials say accreditation and the new DNA capability should speed case processing and improve local forensic services.

NOPD Crime Lab Achieves Full Accreditation

New Orleans — The New Orleans Police Department's forensic laboratory has achieved full accreditation, a milestone officials say will strengthen the credibility of its testing and testimony in court.

Dr. Shanika Kelley, Lab Director: "Our primary function is to provide forensic testing on evidence that’s been collected from crimes. Whenever a crime occurs, our crime scene unit collects evidence and submits requests for forensic analysis."

The facility opened in 2022, nearly two decades after Hurricane Katrina, with the goal of providing comprehensive local forensic services that previously were limited or outsourced.

Current Capabilities and Planned Expansion

Kelley outlined the lab's existing units and its next steps: the direct chemistry unit (which tests narcotics), the firearms unit (which performs ballistic analysis), and the friction-ridge unit (latent fingerprint analysis). The lab is actively building a biology unit that will enable DNA testing on-site for the first time since Hurricane Katrina.

Until the biology unit is operational, DNA analyses have been handled by the Louisiana State Police. Laboratory officials say they are purchasing specialized equipment and training personnel, and they expect DNA testing to be functional by December 2027.

Why Accreditation Matters

Kelley emphasized the practical impact of accreditation on legal proceedings: "I can tell you that whenever I go to testify, the first question I get is, 'Is the lab accredited?' They ask because accreditation reflects rigorous standards — it demonstrates that we provide reliable, quality services for cases and evidence."

The combination of accreditation and a locally based biology unit is expected to shorten turnaround times, improve case workflows, and give investigators and prosecutors more timely forensic support — though officials caution that timelines can shift as equipment is installed and staff complete training.

For ongoing updates on the lab's progress and public safety developments, follow NOPD communications and local news outlets.

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