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TACIR backs plan to expand crime‑lab capacity and urges interim fixes to reduce evidence backlog
Summary
TACIR approved a report urging the state to expand Tennessee Bureau of Investigation lab capacity in line with TBI’s 2024 real‑estate strategic plan, noted multi‑million dollar cost estimates for Jackson and Knoxville projects, and recommended interim process improvements and exploration of rapid DNA use at booking.
TACIR approved a final report recommending expanded crime‑lab capacity statewide and near‑term process changes to reduce forensic evidence backlogs, following staff additions to a draft report and TBI updates on digital‑forensics staffing.
Staff told the commission that TBI’s 2024 real‑estate strategic plan sets out a multi‑year expansion need. Staff added late information to the draft after members’ June requests, including cost examples and TBI cost projections. Report estimates the combined Jackson and Knoxville projects could cost between $44 million and $66 million; TBI’s estimates for Nashville and Chattanooga projects remain unclear. The commission recommended expanding labs by Grand Division (Nashville, Jackson, Knoxville/Chattanooga) and prioritizing disciplines with the greatest backlog (forensic chemistry and toxicology in Nashville), while noting the projects require substantial capital investment.
Interim recommendations
Recognizing construction and hiring timelines, the report asked TBI to pursue process improvements and outsourcing where effective, urged the General Assembly to consider amending DNA statutes to allow rapid DNA use at booking stations, and asked state agencies to support evidence‑sharing partnerships and local capacity building while long‑term expansions proceed. Staff noted that TBI and the city of Memphis signed an agreement assigning dedicated forensic scientists for Memphis cases (two positions funded by the city) and that TBI plans to hire additional staff for the Jackson lab.
Vote
The commission moved to approve the final report; members passed the motion by voice vote with no recorded opposition.
Context and costs
Staff incorporated figures from TBI’s plan and added annexes with construction cost examples and alternatives to new construction. The report estimates combined costs for planned expansions at Jackson and Knoxville at $44–$66 million; tabled costs for Nashville and Chattanooga were not final at the time of the meeting. Staff emphasized that expanding personnel without adequate lab facilities will not deliver the intended turnaround improvements.
Quotes
“One of the constraints is limited lab space,” staff said, urging the commission to align capacity expansions with TBI’s strategic plan. TBI representatives told the commission recent hiring will improve digital‑forensics turnaround once trainees complete training but that space and staffing remain constraints.
Next steps
TACIR approved the report and its recommendations; it identified facility expansions and statutory adjustments (rapid DNA use) as priorities for follow‑up by the General Assembly and state agencies.
