KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Knoxville Crime Laboratory has been recognized as one of the top-performing forensic laboratories in the world after receiving the Maximus Award from Project FORESIGHT.
The Knoxville laboratory was one of only 15 forensic laboratories selected from 184 participating laboratories worldwide during the 2024-2025 reporting cycle.
The award was presented during the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Annual Symposium in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Maximus Award recognizes laboratories that demonstrate exceptional operational performance, efficiency, financial stewardship and scientific excellence through participation in Project FORESIGHT, an international benchmarking program for forensic laboratories.
According to Project FORESIGHT, the award is reserved for laboratories operating at 90 percent or better of peak efficiency.
During Fiscal Year 2024-2025, the Knoxville Crime Laboratory received 17,988 requests for testing across all forensic disciplines. Laboratory scientists completed 19,698 requests during the same period, processing both newly submitted cases and previously pending work.
The laboratory also reduced its overall case inventory by nearly 39 percent during the reporting year.
TBI Assistant Director of Forensic Services Mike Lyttle said the recognition reflects the dedication of the laboratory’s staff and their commitment to providing forensic services to Tennessee communities.
Project FORESIGHT, established in 2008 and managed by West Virginia University, is an international initiative that measures and compares the performance of forensic science laboratories. The program provides laboratory leaders with data-driven tools to evaluate operations, manage caseloads, allocate resources and improve forensic services.
The program is widely recognized as the industry standard for forensic laboratory benchmarking and performance analytics.
