SATI e-News:  May 19, 2005

"Opinions; For third year, crime lab faces fiscal problems."
Daily Advertiser, March 18, 2005

  
Editorial in Louisiana urges funding for the Acadiana crime lab. “Expertise in DNA sampling and in other advanced techniques for solving crimes and establishing guilt or innocence is crucial to law enforcement. We have that expertise at the Acadiana Crime Lab, and it has been used effectively to enhance the pursuit of justice. This vital resource, however constantly faces money problems.
 
For the third year, the lab is struggling to meet the expenses of a constantly growing case load. Last year, the lab was hit by a deficit of more than a half-million dollars, caused by the need for more costly technology and a decrease in revenue from court fees…We remain convinced that a permanent tax is needed to support the lab. Spread over eight parishes, the tax on individuals would be very small…Considering the importance of the lab in making our area safer, residents of the district should vote to provide the financial base needed to keep the lab fully operative. Approving such a measure would be in the best interests of citizens in all the parishes.”