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University study urges Shelby County to invest in rapid DNA, digital forensics and shared ballistics capacity
Summary
A University of Memphis Public Safety Institute study recommended the county expand digital-forensics staffing and servers, buy rapid-DNA machines and pursue a countywide ballistics analyst at the TBI lab. Estimated first-year cost for the three priority areas: about $1.56 million; a full local lab would be much costlier and years away.
A county-funded study by the University of Memphis' Public Safety Institute urged Shelby County to invest in three near-term forensic priorities: more certified digital-forensics staff and secure server capacity, purchase and maintenance of rapid-DNA equipment for 24–48 hour screening, and countywide access to ballistics analysts via a state-lab partnership.
Bill Gibbons, executive director of the Public Safety Institute, said digital forensics is growing rapidly as phone and device dumps become routine in investigations, and that a shared multi-agency unit would reduce duplication and improve turnaround. The institute estimated hiring six additional certified digital-forensics…
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