Crime Lab
The Southwest Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory is a regional crime lab that serves a five parish area (Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jefferson Davis). The crime laboratory is located in the administration building of the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The lab employs eight full time analysts, an evidence custodian and a director. 4,900 cases were submitted to the laboratory in 2009.

The following services are provided by the Southwest Louisiana Crime Lab:

Chemistry: The chemistry section is involved in analyzing samples for the presence of controlled and non-controlled substances. The majority of samples analyzed contain marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine and prescription medication.

DNA: In the summer of 2006 the Southwest Louisiana Crime Lab began  performing DNA testing on casework. DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid, is the genetic material which is present in almost every cell in a person's body. A person's DNA is the same in every one of their cells, so for example a man's blood, semen and saliva will all have the same DNA. DNA has the capability of discriminating between any two individuals except for identical twins.

Blood Alcohol/Toxicology: This section of the laboratory is involved in testing a person's body fluids (blood and urine) for the presence of ethyl alcohol and controlled substances.

Latent Prints: Items submitted to the laboratory can be processed for latent fingerprints. If latent fingerprints are found on evidence they can be compared to fingerprint cards taken from the suspect(s) or ran on AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) to see if a possible match occurs from the database.

Firearms: The firearms section of the laboratory is capable of comparing fired bullets, shotshell cases and cartridge cases with a specific firearm for a possible match or elimination. Examinations can be performed on fired bullets and cartridge cases to determine the possible caliber, manufacturer and type of weapon involved. Distance determination can also be performed in this section of the laboratory.

Questioned Documents: Handwriting on paperwork and forged checks can be compared with known exemplars from the suspects for a possible match.

Physical Evidence: Impression evidence such as shoe prints and tire tracks are analyzed in this section of the laboratory. This section is also involved in the restoration of serial numbers to items such as guns and bikes.

The Crime Lab can be reached at: 491-3660