LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury and other parish officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Calcasieu Parish Crime Center today, November 7th.

The 26,000-square-foot, $15.4 million facility, located at 722 Dora St. in Lake Charles, will house the Calcasieu Parish Coroner’s Office and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab.

Construction of the new facility began in October 2022 and features:

• More autopsy rooms
• Tissue recovery suite
• Evidence storage
• x-ray camera
• Sally Port, which is a controlled secure entry, for receiving operations

The facility will also have adjoining conference space, family meeting rooms and ample office space.

The parish says the combination of the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Crime Lab and the Calcasieu Parish Coroner’s Office will ensure continuity of operation as the two work closely to ensure a proper chain of custody of evidence and through investigative services.

“The Calcasieu Parish Coroner’s Office and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab will not only provide services to the parish, but to several municipalities in Southwest Louisiana,” said Calcasieu Parish Grand Jury Facilities Management Director Dean Kelly. “Having both offices housed in the same facility cements their communication and coordination skills. This new forensic center will be a vital resource for all of Southwest Louisiana.”

“Today is an important day as we open the new Calcasieu Parish Crime Center, home to the Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab and the Calcasieu Parish Coroner,” said Police Jury President Anthony Bartie. “By bringing these teams together into one facility with the latest technology, we increase our ability to serve and protect the community with care and accuracy in every case.”

Stay tuned for a closer look at the new facility in later editions of 7News today.

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