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DA, mayor and commissioners back $5.5M push for local forensic capacity focused on rapid DNA, ballistics and cell‑phone forensics
Summary
District Attorney Steve Mulroy and Mayor Harris asked committee members to consider a $5.5M reallocation for a local forensic capability targeted at rapid DNA, ballistics and digital forensics; surrounding jurisdictions, the TBI director and a regional task‑force signaled support and limited one‑time equipment funding.
District Attorney Steve Mulroy and county administrators presented a proposal to allocate up to $5.5 million to develop local forensic capabilities focused on rapid DNA processing, ballistics analysis and cell‑phone/digital forensics.
Mulroy said the limited, targeted lab could accelerate evidence processing and improve solve rates for violent crime; he cited letters of support from neighboring police departments and a TBI director statement indicating cooperation and non‑duplication. The West Tennessee Violent Crime & Drug Task Force signaled a possible one‑time $200,000 contribution for equipment. Mayor Harris said administration supports a local, focused lab option that builds on county‑owned facilities and could be achieved with targeted investment.
Quote: “There are two letters of support… and a letter from the TBI director that just makes clear that they would welcome local participation,” Mulroy told the committee.
Why it matters: Forensics backlogs are a widely noted driver of investigative delay; commissioners discussed public‑safety benefits and the potential tax‑rate consequence (the mayor said adding the initiative could require raising the rate by roughly two pennies, depending on what else the commission approves).
Next steps: Committee recorded a favorable recommendation for the proposal and directed continued coordination among the DA, administration and regional partners; administration and the DA will provide more detailed cost and operational plans before the full commission vote.
