Body camera footage, doorbell cameras, and cell phones have created an increase in digital evidence for cases, creating challenges for prosecutors statewide.
Project Safe Tennessee, an initiative dedicated to helping prosecutors statewide handle an increase in criminal cases, said this has contributed to an increased workload.
The initiative, launched by the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference, looks at data to emphasize “evidence-based strategies” to fight crime and improve public safety.
The group advocates for tools, technology, and specialized support for prosecutors.
“The growing volume of digital evidence presents a challenge for prosecutors statewide,” a statement from TNDAGC said.
“Reviewing and processing that evidence is necessary to identify offenders, build strong cases and ensure victims receive justice without unnecessary delays.”
Data from the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) said the average turnaround time for processing digital forensic evidence in the state in FY2023-24 was 66 weeks for computers and 37.6 weeks for mobile devices.
In January, the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office said they were able to eliminate a backlog of video evidence. The office was caught up and operated “ahead of schedule” by the end of 2025.
The office said this was accomplished by increasing staffing and “reorganizing internal operations.” Shelby County processes thousands of hours of digital evidence each year, which they said is used in pre-trial preparation.
During this process, staff will redact private information and organize footage. Defense attorneys can ask for court postponements until the procedure is complete.
Though the office said court scheduling, defense continuances, mental health evaluations, and more are out of its control, being able to efficiently process digital evidence “restored timely case preparation.”
TNDAGC said prosecution of criminal cases relies heavily on digital evidence, yet the system cannot currently handle the “extraordinary volume” presented in investigations. Nashville’s 20th Judicial District’s Digital Evidence team for example reviews at least 350 hours of digital evidence per week.
Digital evidence from Axon body camera footage contributes to more than 285 years of continuous recording across the state alone. Axon said this equates to about 2.5 million hours of footage.
Officials said this coupled with surveillance video, doorbell cameras, cell phone videos, and drone footage can create “hundreds or even thousands of hours of evidence in a single case.”
Though areas such as Memphis and Nashville have been able to identify ways to work through these hindrances, the rise of digital evidence still creates a strain on the justice system statewide.
“While modern prosecution relies on digital evidence, the justice system was not built to manage the extraordinary volume now generated in criminal investigations,” TNDAGC said. “Tennessee prosecutors must have the tools, technology and specialized support necessary to keep pace and protect their communities.”
