TBI offers behind-the-scenes look into Nashville headquarters

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Since the 1950s, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assisted local law enforcement with criminal investigations across the state. WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News recently got a close look into their operation during the bureau’s Media Day.

“I want to open TBI up and let you see what all we do,” TBI Director Mark Gwyn said. “I think there’s some amazing work that goes on in this building and all over the state.”

Venturing through the forensic science division, scientists showed us tools such as lasers that recreate crime scenes. Using micro-analysis, they process shoe prints, tire tracks and fingerprints for evidence.

Scientist test illegal substances in the toxicology lab, which is a growing issue in the state with meth offenses on the rise. TBI labs also do firearm analysis and breath alcohol testing.

TBI’s elaborate operation also includes a collaborative “Fusion Center.”

“It’s a fusion of many state and federal agencies together during a crisis that we can pull together the information very quickly,” Fusion Center Director Jerri Siegrist said.

The Fusion Center includes intelligence from both state and federal Homeland Security agencies. Investigators are able to access this information in a mobile crime unit at any time.

At crime scenes, the TBI uses violent crime response trucks to process evidence, which ends up in the lab.

Although gangs, human trafficking and drugs were all hot topics at Media Day, the deputy director says being able to assist local agencies in solving cases is the overall goal.

“We are a statewide agency, and we depend so much on working with those local agencies,” Deputy Director Jason Locke said. “Local DAs in their district, our relationship with them is crucial for our success.”