Sheriff Josh McAllister reports that investigators from his office recently attended a specialized training seminar in DNA evidence collection.

The class was conducted by the North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory in Shreveport over a two-day period.

DNA evidence collection, packaging, and submission were some of the topics covered. Investigators were also introduced to the national DNA clearinghouse known as CODIS (Combined DNA Index System).

The Sheriff stated that DNA has become an integral part in criminal investigations in the past several years and not only has DNA evidence played a major role in solving ongoing cases but many cold cases that had hit a dead end have been solved. Further, he stated that DNA evidence has resulted in exonerating wrongfully convicted people.

“Training is crucial to keeping law enforcement up to date in being able to serve the people and we are doing our best to stay abreast in giving our deputies the tools to do their job,” McAllister concluded.