TBI looks to expand crime labs amid growing need for forensic testing

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A new report released Thursday by the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations finds that rising violent crime and rapid population growth across the state are contributing to a growing backlog of forensic evidence at state crime labs.

As of June, more than 7,000 pieces of evidence remained untested at Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) crime labs. The report warns that the current volume of crimes is outpacing the speed at which forensic scientists can process DNA and other crucial evidence for investigators.

“We need to make saving people from becoming a victim of a violent crime a priority,” said Annie Wortham, a sexual assault survivor and advocate. Wortham credits the Sexual Assault Center with saving her life nearly 25 years ago af