The prospect of broadening forensic examinations, for both ballistics and swift DNA profiling, is being reviewed within Shelby County. This initiative would require an ongoing financial commitment of $5.5 million annually, according to county authorities. As it stands, the West Tennessee Regional Forensic Testing Center is the singular facility undertaking such work within the boundaries of Shelby County. The alternative facility is the TBI lab, situated further afield in Jackson, Tennessee.
County representatives have forwarded a proposal to allocate an excess of $5 million within the imminent budget, with a view to augmenting testing capabilities. One of the county’s representatives articulated the necessity of this proposal, stating, ‘The most crucial element in our fight to maintain the decline in crime rates is the imperative to intensify our rate of solving cases.’ The role such testing can play in expediting crime solving, and thereby fostering more immediate arrests, is apparent.
The potential benefits and applications of rapid DNA testing have been highlighted by county leaders. Although it is an emerging technology, only having been around for roughly ten years, it has been identified as a potentially invaluable asset in police investigations. If a DNA sample is available from a crime scene, the identity of a suspect can be obtained in an expedited manner. One county leader said, ‘This technology is incredible for generating leads.’
Besides assisting in the acquisition of leads, the same leader noted the significant role rapid DNA testing can play in ruling out suspects. The estimated $5.5 million budget is intended to fund not only rapid DNA testing, but also enhanced ballistics, contemporary equipment, and digital forensic tools, such as tracking mobile phone activities. Stating a conviction that this budget allocation should be prioritized, one proponent of the proposal emphasized the importance of this imminently necessary decision.
There is a fervent belief that any postponement or avoidance of this commitment should be avoided. A sentiment one county leader expressed by saying, ‘We should refrain from deferring any longer. We’ve been in discussions about this for two years already. We need conclusive action.’ The provision of such funds would help minimize delays observed in forensic examination reports, thus allowing for expedited crime resolution.
It was previously reported by a few analysts that forensic laboratories were trailing a backlog of between 18 and 24 months specifically within ballistics tests. Over time, however, the situation has seen considerable improvements. The incoming center is touted to further expedite these processes and reduce waiting times.
Given the financing proposal and its potential implication on crime rate reduction, the County Commission has been provided with a timeline to vote on the new budget. The vote, which will encapsulate all aspects of the upcoming budget, including this crucial allocation for forensic testing improvements, is to be cast no later than July 1.