Nearly twenty years after Hurricane Katrina, officials say New Orleans finally has the funding to finish rebuilding an NOPD crime lab.
In a bipartisan effort, Democratic Congressman Troy Carter of New Orleans today announced he joined with Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana to get more than $2 million for the crime lab.
Carter called it "a cause that is so significant, and that is making sure that we have all the tools necessary to keep our community safe."
Since Katrina, New Orleans has had to rely on the state police crime lab in Baton Rouge, leading to long delays in processing evidence and catching criminals.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell says it has taken two decades, but funding the crime lab will go a long way toward fighting crime.
Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick says the funds will provide for a DNA lab and other crucial, high tech tools to solve crimes.
"Forensic technology and equipment to remain current in all forensic disciplines."
New Orleans Police Department Crime Lab Director Dr. Shamika Kelley says she can finally outfit the lab.
"For equipment that's going to be leading edge. It's going to have forensic software and forensic hardware."
She already has the employees, and now will have the gear from them to use to solve crimes.
"We've hired 13 individuals for the DNA Unit. I've built an army in that unit. I'm telling you I'm brining you something great, so I am so excited."
There was also nearly a million dollars announced to fight the root causes of crime in New Orleans.
