In a notable decision, the Shelby County Board of Commissioners has given the go-ahead for establishing the first locally funded crime lab in the county. This decision, voted on yesterday, resulted from the collaboration between District Attorney Steve Mulroy and Mayor Lee Harris, as reported by the District Attorney's Office.
The project is set to receive $1.5 million in recurring funds for the first year, which underpins the main goal: to enhance local crime-solving capabilities. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding with the West Tennessee Drug Task Force brings in up to $200,000 earmarked for rapid DNA equipment, a crucial tool in the arsenal of forensic science.
According to Shelby County officials, the creation of the new crime lab will target essential forensic sectors such as digital investigations, particularly those involving cell phones, ballistics, and Rapid DNA analysis. "For the first time, Shelby County will have its own crime lab-a crucial first step in increasing our solve rate and lowering crime," DA Steve Mulroy told the District Attorney's Office. The new lab is expected to expedite case resolutions and work through existing backlogs, especially in ballistics.
