LSP becomes first in nation to implement rapid DNA technology

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - Louisiana State Police has become the first agency in the country to get approval from the FBI for rapid DNA operations.

The agency says DNA samples will now be taken from a qualifying arrested individual and compared with evidence samples. The process takes about 90 minutes and is designed to prevent a wanted suspect from being released prior to the return of traditional DNA results.

“I am proud of the hard work and vision of our dedicated staff at the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab,” said Louisiana State Police Superintendent Colonel Lamar Davis. “Their tireless efforts to implement this public safety tool will place our state on the cutting edge of testing technology and systems.”

The agency says it has been working closely with the FBI to ensure the safety and security of the DNA data.

The new technology has already been tested at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. Louisiana State Police says the hope is to roll out the technology to three other booking agencies by the end of 2023.

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