The Tennessee Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods Support (VICTIMS) Act, sponsored by Senator Ed Jackson (R-Jackson) and Representative Lowell Russell (R-Vonore), unanimously advanced out of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the House Criminal Justice Committee. The legislation aims to combat violent crime and bolster public safety across the state by strategically funding police departments to invest in evidence-based initiatives to improve statewide case closure rates. 

“This legislation would help secure justice for victims of violent crime by providing more resources towards solving crimes,” said Sen. Jackson. “It will also improve public safety by finding perpetrators and keeping those criminals off the streets.” 

The unanimous support of the Tennessee VICTIMS Act reflects the shared commitment to strengthening law enforcement efforts in solving crimes. According to recent polling data conducted by UpOne Insights and BSG, nearly 80 percent of Americans believe that increasing funding for police and other law enforcement agencies to solve more crimes will significantly contribute to their sense of safety.

“Keeping Tennesseans safe remains a top priority for Republicans in the General Assembly,” said Rep. Russell. “The TN-VICTIMS Act will provide valuable assistance to law enforcement agencies across our state to ensure violent criminals are quickly brought to justice. This will improve public safety and provide victims with the support they deserve.”

The poll highlights that over 90 percent of respondents support increasing the rates of crime solved by police, emphasizing the urgent need for initiatives like this legislation. Additionally, 77 percent of respondents endorse shifting resources from other areas of the criminal justice system to prioritize increasing closure rates for violent crime. 

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