Memphis, Tenn., July 2, 2025. The City of Memphis has signed a new agreement with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to expand forensic support for local criminal investigations by securing two dedicated state-employed forensic scientists — one specializing in DNA analysis and one in firearms examination — to focus exclusively on Memphis cases.
The partnership, which begins August 1, 2025, is designed to accelerate evidence processing and improve clearance rates, especially for violent crime. It reflects a strategic investment by Mayor Paul Young’s administration to strengthen public safety without overextending city resources.
“We’re making smart, targeted moves to support law enforcement and deliver justice for victims,” said Mayor Paul Young. “This partnership gives us access to top-tier forensic expertise at a fraction of what it would cost to hire and train in-house. At a time when every dollar in the budget matters, we’re prioritizing impact and outcomes.”
Mayor Young also credited Councilman Philip Spinosa and State Senator Brent Taylor for bringing the idea forward and working with his administration to help move it from concept to execution.
Councilman Spinosa emphasized the value of creative problem-solving in a tight fiscal environment.
“This is about being smart with our resources,” said Councilman Philip Spinosa. “Getting evidence tested quickly can be the difference between solving a case or not. This gives us the benefit of a crime lab without the enormous cost of building and staffing one ourselves. By teaming up with the state, we’re getting real results for public safety without putting extra pressure on the city budget.”
Under the terms of the one-year renewable contract, the City will reimburse the State up to $320,000 annually for salary and benefit costs, significantly less than the expense of staffing and equipping two full forensic positions locally. The scientists will remain employees of the State, and their services will include courtroom testimony at no additional cost.
“This kind of collaboration reflects our shared commitment to safer communities,” said TBI Director David Rausch. “By embedding these expert scientists into Memphis casework, we’re equipping local law enforcement with the additional tools they need to get answers and get results.”
The new forensic capacity aligns with the Young administration’s broader public safety strategy: increasing clearance rates, reducing case backlogs, and strengthening community trust in the criminal justice process.
Media Contact:
Arlenia Cole, City of Memphis, [email protected]