Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

The Role Of Administrative Procedures In Preventing The Backlog Of Sexual Assault Evidence Kits, Heather Darby

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

Across the nation, states are facing a large backlog of sexual assault evidence kits. Sexual assault evidence often sits in a police department or hospital for years without being tested. Public safety is diminished as criminal DNA is not tested and entered into CODIS. Victims have no sense of justice, and may lose confidence in the system. Without attention to the issue, the backlog will only continue to grow. As states have developed innovative and effective methods for addressing the backlog, their successes and failures have served as a base for others who are considering changes to avoid future backlogs. …