Shelby County DA’s Office Eliminates Months-Long Video Evidence Backlog

Shelby County, TN—After reorganizing internal operations and increasing staffing in the video processing unit, the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office eliminated a months-long backlog in processing case-related video evidence. By the end of 2025, the unit was fully caught up and operating ahead of schedule.

This improvement removed a significant bottleneck that had delayed case preparation and contributed to court postponements, allowing cases to move through the system more efficiently for victims, defendants, and the community.

“Justice delayed is justice denied,” said Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy. “When cases drag on, victims are left waiting for closure, defendants—especially those in custody—remain in limbo, and public safety suffers. Research shows the most effective deterrent to crime is not harsher punishment, but punishment that is swift and certain.”

Shelby County processes a larger volume of criminal cases than the next three largest Tennessee counties combined—a logistical challenge that places a strain on courts and contributes to system-wide backlogs.

While many factors affecting case timelines—such as court scheduling, defense continuances, and the time required for autopsies, mental health evaluations, and lab results—are outside the District Attorney’s Office’s control, the Office remains focused on improving the areas it can directly manage.

One of those areas is the processing of thousands of hours of case-related video footage reviewed each year. Under the discovery process, defense counsel is entitled to this material before trial. Staff must redact private information, organize the footage by case, and prepare it for release to prosecutors. Until that process is complete, defense attorneys may request court date postponements.

By restructuring operations, expanding staffing, and strengthening oversight within the video processing unit, the Office eliminated the backlog and restored timely case preparation.

This progress represents a concrete step toward a faster, more effective justice system in Shelby County.