Rutherford County, TN - Rutherford County is taking a major step toward improving its forensic and investigative capabilities with the groundbreaking of the new Regional Forensic Center in Smyrna. Mayor Joe Carr and county officials will host the ceremony at 10:00 AM on August 27, 2025, at the future site located at 206 I Street.
The $15 million facility, approved by the County Commission in a 17–3 vote, will sit on a 10-acre campus near Weakley Lane, joining other county services like EMS and the County Clerk’s office. Once completed—expected by early 2027—the center will handle up to 1,000 autopsies annually, easing the burden on Nashville’s Middle Tennessee Regional Forensic Center, which currently serves 60 counties.
Rutherford County has long faced delays due to its high volume of autopsy requests. Families often wait weeks or months for results, and law enforcement must travel to Davidson County, limiting their ability to participate in investigations. The new center aims to change that, offering faster turnaround times, better collaboration between detectives and forensic staff, and enhanced training opportunities.
Funded entirely from county reserves, the project won’t require new taxes or debt. Officials anticipate that by allowing other counties to use the facility for a fee, it could become self-sustaining within a few years.
This isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about strengthening justice, public health, and trust in the community. The groundbreaking marks the beginning of a new chapter for Rutherford County, one where timely answers and local access to forensic services are finally within reach.
