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The head of the New Orleans Police Department's crime lab says its opening with full accreditation may be delayed another year, until 2028.
Dr. Shamika Kelley delivered the news on Tuesday to the City Council's Criminal Justice Committee.
Kelley has been trying for more than two years to staff and certify the $25 million crime lab.
But, she said, most recently the council deferred for six months a measure to fund all 30 of the needed staff positions.
In the absence of a local crime lab, DNA tests will have to be sent to the State Police crime lab in Baton Rouge, which is both costly and time-consuming.
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