West Tennessee Drug Task Force Backs Crime Lab Proposal Focused on Rapid DNA, Ballistics, and Digital Forensics

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shelby County, TN —The West Tennessee Drug Task Force (DTF) voted to support a pending proposal to fund a new crime lab that strengthens capabilities in three critical areas: rapid DNA analysis, digital forensics, and ballistics.

Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy and Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris jointly introduced the proposal, which the Shelby County Board of Commissioners is currently reviewing. If commissioners approve it, the county will establish a dedicated forensic facility to address urgent public safety and investigative demands.

“We’re putting forward a proposal for recurring funding to build a forensic crime lab focused on rapid DNA, ballistics, and digital evidence,” said DA Mulroy. “The vote is Monday, and the decision now rests with the County Commission. I encourage residents to contact their commissioners and urge them to support this critical investment in public safety.”

As part of its commitment, the DTF pledged up to $200,000 to help purchase a rapid DNA machine. That funding would follow a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the County, which would grant the Task Force access to the lab’s forensic services for drug-related investigations and prosecutions.

“We’re putting forward a proposal for recurring funding to build a forensic crime lab focused on rapid DNA, ballistics, and digital evidence,” said DA Steve Mulroy. “The vote is Monday, and it’s now in the hands of the County Commission. I encourage residents to reach out to their commissioners to voice their support—this is a critical investment in public safety.”

As part of its support, the DTF has agreed to contribute up to $200,000 toward the purchase of a rapid DNA machine, contingent upon the proposal’s passage. This contribution would be made pursuant to a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the County, allowing the Task Force to utilize the lab’s forensic facilities for drug-related investigations and prosecutions.

“I fully support Shelby funding a local crime lab,” said Frederick H. Agee, DTF Board member and District Attorney for Crockett, Haywood, and Gibson Counties.  “TBI does amazing work; however, their resources, while improved over the years, are limited, with lots of unmet need in Shelby and West Tennessee.  The County Commissioners have an opportunity to right the ship.  Being a rural prosecutor, I see this benefiting all West Tennessee, because some of TBI’s burden will be lifted which should increase efficiency for getting cases particularly violent crimes solved and resolved quicker.”

The proposal was discussed most recently this week in joint meetings with Mayor Harris and DA Mulroy as they continued to advocate for advancing forensic science and accelerating case resolutions. The final vote will take place on Monday, June 23.