2024 MNPD Formula DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)

In May 2015, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) opened a crime laboratory, becoming the first local laboratory in the State of Tennessee. Also in 2015, the State of Tennessee enacted legislation requiring 100 percent testing of sexual assault kits. This piece of legislation coupled with Davidson County’s consistent influx of new residents has directly impacted the volume of sexual assault kit submissions for DNA testing to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department Crime Laboratory (MNPD-CL). The increase in sample and case submissions have negatively impacted backlog reduction and turnaround time. The MNPD-CL is committed to continuous improvements and efficiency and has made every effort to obtain updated technology in automation, chemistries, and adequate staffing levels to meet the high demands of forensic DNA testing.

The MNPD-CL Forensic Biology Unit’s staff consists of one Forensic Supervisor, one DNA Technical Leader, eight Forensic Scientists, and three Forensic Technicians. Of the 13 total staff, there are five staff in various stages of training.

The MNPD-CL Forensic Biology Unit plans to use the grant funding to outsource sexual assault kits. This will aid in MNPD-CL’s goal of providing forensic DNA analysis of superior quality in a timely and efficient manner, decrease and eliminate the backlog, increase throughput, and reduce turnaround time.