Lab Tours & Outreach Presentations
Laboratory Tour Guidelines
The North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory (NLCL) welcomes educational and professional groups to tour our facilities to promote awareness and understanding of forensic science. To ensure the safety of our guests and staff, and to maintain the integrity of laboratory operations, the following guidelines apply:
Age Requirement
No individual under the age of 16 is permitted on a laboratory tour unless prior authorization has been granted by the Laboratory Director or their designee. Exceptions may be made for exceptional educational programs with proper supervision and pre-approval.Educational Purpose & Chaperones
Tours are reserved for groups participating in coursework or professional development related to science, law enforcement, criminal justice, or forensic science.Student groups must be accompanied by an appropriate number of adult chaperones.
Chaperones are responsible for monitoring behavior and ensuring compliance with all safety protocols.
Group Size
To maintain safety and minimize disruption, tour group size is limited to no more than 20 individuals. Larger groups must be split into smaller units and may require staggered tour times.Dress Code
For safety reasons, no open-toe shoes are permitted in laboratory spaces. Visitors must wear closed-toe footwear and dress appropriately for a professional and laboratory environment.Food & Drink
No food or beverages are allowed in laboratory areas at any time. Personal items must be secured or disposed of prior to the start of the tour.Photography & Recording
Photography, video recording, or audio recording is strictly prohibited unless prior written authorization is granted by NLCL Administration. This policy ensures confidentiality, security, and respect for ongoing casework.Conduct Expectations
All guests are expected to behave in a professional and respectful manner during their time at NLCL. Any disruptive, inappropriate, or unsafe behavior may result in immediate termination of the tour.Scheduling & Notification
All tours must be scheduled in advance and confirmed by NLCL staff. Please notify us of any special accommodations, needs, or educational goals ahead of time to help us tailor the experience appropriately.
Outreach Presentations
To support education and awareness in forensic science, the NLCL encourages outreach presentations and lectures by staff, provided they do not interfere with core operational responsibilities. The following guidelines apply:
Permissible Audiences
Outreach presentations and lectures conducted outside of the laboratory during regular working hours must be limited to one or more of the following:
Legal professionals and support staff
Law enforcement and public safety agencies
Professional scientific or forensic organizations
High school and college students as part of an educational program
Operational Priority
Casework, laboratory responsibilities, and court obligations will always take precedence over outreach events. Staff members must coordinate with their supervisor to ensure operational needs are not impacted.
Content Alignment
All presentation content will be tailored to the intended audience and reviewed to ensure appropriateness, scientific accuracy, and alignment with NLCL standards. Sensitive case material will not be disclosed unless it is already publicly available and approved for presentation.