NLCL Commission

The North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory (NLCL) is an institution established to serve the critical needs of the northern 29 parishes in Louisiana. The NLCL, through the North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory Commission, has been dedicated to enhancing crime detection, prevention, investigation, and supporting other activities integral to criminal investigations. The parishes we proudly serve include Avoyelles, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, Webster, Caldwell, Catahoula, Concordia, East Carroll, Franklin, Grant, Jackson, LaSalle, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Rapides, Richland, Tensas, Union, Vernon, West Carroll, and Winn.

In accordance with LA Rev Stat § 40:2263 (2022), the commission is composed of the coroner, sheriff, and district attorney of the parish where the commission is domiciled, each serving during their elective terms of office. Additionally, one representative from each parish served by the commission is appointed by its respective governing authority, with a tenure of two years or until a successor is appointed.

Historically, this role has often been assumed by either the Sheriff or the District Attorney. These individuals have the unique opportunity to collaborate with other elected officials across the Northern 29 Parishes that the NLCL serves.