Press Releases

U.S. Congressman Garret Graves (South Louisiana) secured $686,000 to help fight violent crime and expedite putting criminals in jail. Just last month, it was reported there are thousands of backlogs in processing DNA evidence to identify and indict lawbreakers. Graves consulted with law enforcement and criminal justice officials to help push this critical priority. The Rapid DNA funding will be available to Capital Region law enforcement this year.

"Violent crime is skyrocketing in the Capital Region. Our law enforcement needs all the tools to both prevent violent crime and quickly resolve the potential backlog cases. Instead of screams to defund the police amid record highs in violent crimes, we need to shout for more smart investments to support Louisiana. This project will help the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office and our regional law enforcement partners to secure the technology to put violent offenders away quickly and make our communities safer," Graves said.

Background:

Currently, the Louisiana State Police (LSP) state-wide Crime Lab processes and triages DNA casework for all 13 parishes of Louisiana's Sixth Congressional District, in addition to other areas of the state. Of those 13 parishes, East Baton Rouge generates the highest number of cases. An additional Rapid DNA System in the Capital Region will substantially lessen the burden on the LSP Crime Lab, expanding access to the state's forensic resources to multiple enforcement entities and speeding the efficiency of our state's justice system.

Funding the Rapid DNA System Project will enable East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office (EBRSO) to purchase a Rapid DNA system and train investigators to increase access to DNA evidence and provide quicker crime resolutions where time is a critical factor. According to the East Baton Rouge Parish (EBR) Coroner, there have already been 25 homicides this year. Homicides in EBR jumped from 97 in 2019 to 136 (2020) and 170 (2021). By supporting EBRSO's procurement of this system, law enforcement officials and investigators will better serve the citizens of Louisiana by increasing the state's forensic capability, helping to solve crime, and getting criminals off the streets.

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