Memphis, TN – September 17, 2025 – MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BILL GIBBONS

Identifying forensic needs in Memphis/Shelby County and the best way to meet any such needs have been the subjects of much discussion over the past two years.

In 2024, a team led by Dr. James Mccutcheon issued a report on its Memphis crime lab feasibility study. This study was funded by the city of Memphis and focused in particular on the needs of the Memphis Police Department.

The Shelby County Board of Commissioners then funded a study to include all of law enforcement in Shelby County and not limited to Memphis. The funding went to the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission which in turn entered an agreement with the University of Memphis for the Public Safety Institute (PSI) to conduct the study. This report is the resuIt of that study.

I thank the PSI research team led by Dr. James Mccutcheon for its diligent work resulting in this report. And I thank the many stakeholders who provided input into the study. It would not have been possible without their cooperation and input.

The full report is available [HERE]