MEMPHIS, Tenn. — From inmate deaths and mental health issues to slow-paced court processing, leaders say improvements must be made when it comes to the criminal justice system in Shelby County.

In a five-to-zero vote, commissioners accepted the request of the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office to help improve the criminal justice system.

“We have over 100 hours in Shelby County Justice Center, observing court proceedings and recording extensive details for each of the case we witnessed, we also interviewed over 70 individuals related to this project,” said Erin Brown, Research Analyst, TN Comptroller’s Office.

Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally wrote a letter to the Office of the Comptroller in February of last year about concerns highlighting discrepancies found when you look at the charge a defendant is arrested for compared to the charge they end up facing in court.

That’s not the only problem.

“We have an issue with the condition of our jail, and we don’t want anyone staying there longer than they need to because people are losing their lives. We need the system to speed up,” said Mick Wright, District 3, Shelby County Board of Commissioners.

Some call the length of time cases take as “disrespectful to citizens.”

“We noticed when we were in court why cases were reset, we noticed the main factor was either an attorney was waiting to be appointed or a defendant didn’t have one or a defendant changed attorneys, and these are things we can learn within the control system within the Shelby County justice system,” said Lauren Huddleston, Principal Research Advisor, TN Comptroller’s Office.

Recommendations include collecting and publicly reporting data, having judges explore methods to reduce delays, and creating a study committee.

“A line that stood out to me in the summary that said the public cannot see the big picture is important. I think that really is important for all those involved in the system themselves to have a big picture,” Wright said.