Shreveport Crime Lab Earns National Recognition—Again

North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory Secures Foresight Maximus Award for Fourth Straight Year

May 01, 2025

By The Bayou Insider Staff

In a moment of well-earned celebration for Louisiana, the North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory (NLCL) in Shreveport has once again been thrust into the national spotlight. For the fourth consecutive year, NLCL has received the prestigious Foresight Maximus Award, solidifying its place among the top forensic laboratories in the country.

Presented by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD), this award is more than just a trophy—it’s a national stamp of excellence in forensic science, operational performance, and strategic growth. For Shreveport and the surrounding parishes, it’s confirmation that one of the most vital pieces of the region’s justice system is not only functioning—it’s thriving.

A High Honor in Forensic Science

The Foresight Maximus Award is part of Project FORESIGHT, an initiative launched in 2007 by West Virginia University in partnership with the National Institute of Justice. The goal? To provide a business-minded performance evaluation model for forensic laboratories. Using data-driven metrics, it evaluates labs on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, resource management, and their ability to operate at or near peak efficiency—defined as 90% or higher.

Only a small number of crime labs across the country meet these rigorous standards. Even fewer do so consistently. Shreveport’s NLCL stands in elite company.

Pride in Performance

Dr. Joseph Jones, System Director of the North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory, praised his team for the dedication and innovation that led to the continued recognition:

“Receiving the Foresight Maximus Award for the fourth consecutive year is a testament to the high expectations we have as an organization. This honor reaffirms our strategy of maximizing fiscal resources to enhance our capabilities and extend our influence within the forensic community and beyond.”

This award affirms that the lab isn’t just reacting to crime—it’s leading the charge with proactive, science-driven methods and a commitment to operational excellence.

Serving North Louisiana with Integrity

The NLCL provides forensic services to law enforcement agencies and prosecutors across dozens of parishes. From DNA testing to drug analysis, ballistics to digital forensics, the lab is an essential part of the investigative process. Its work ensures that truth—not guesswork—guides the pursuit of justice.

And with every sample tested, every report delivered, and every case resolved, the lab is doing more than science. It’s building trust between communities and the systems that serve them.

A Regional and National Model

The lab’s sustained excellence is creating ripple effects far beyond North Louisiana. National experts now look to Shreveport as a model of efficiency and innovation in forensic science. The lab’s operational strategies and resource management practices are being studied by peer institutions across the country.

It’s not just a win for Shreveport—it’s a win for Louisiana.

What’s Next for the NLCL?

With momentum on its side, the NLCL is pushing forward:

Investing in new forensic technologies
Expanding partnerships with universities and law enforcement agencies
Providing internships and workforce development programs
Improving turnaround times for forensic casework

Their mission is clear: to keep raising the bar, for both science and service.

Celebrating Excellence in Our Own Backyard

In a world where good news is sometimes hard to find, this moment deserves our attention and applause. Louisiana is often associated with rich culture, incredible food, and storied traditions—but today, we add cutting-edge forensic science to the list.

The North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory is proof that excellence isn’t confined to the coasts. Sometimes, the best in the nation is right here at home.

Let’s celebrate that.

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