SDPD clears rape kit backlog, now in full compliance with state law ...Middle East

For the first time in years, the San Diego Police Department has no backlog of untested sexual-assault evidence kits, marking a key milestone for the agency, SDPD officials announced Wednesday.

The accomplishment puts the department in compliance with California Senate Bill 22 from 2019, which required law enforcement agencies across the state to conduct more timely DNA analyses of sex-assault forensic evidence.

In August of that year, the SDPD had an estimated 1,800 untested rape kits, Capt. Brent Williams said.

In 2020, the agency turned to a contract laboratory, Bode Cellmark Forensics, to help meet the mandate. The work, according to SDPD officials, was divided into three phases:

While Bode focused on the backlog, the SDPD laid the groundwork to bring all future testing in-house, according to Williams. Between 2020 and 2024, the department invested in staffing, lab renovations and new equipment, while streamlining procedures to ensure that incoming kits could be processed efficiently and thoroughly, he said.

Due to those improvements, the SDPD Crime Lab now tests sex-assault forensic evidence significantly faster than before — averaging a 45-day turnaround, well ahead of the 145-day requirement set by SB22, Williams said.

“These kits play a critical role in identifying sexual-assault offenders, supporting prosecutions and delivering justice to survivors,” the captain noted.

SDPD officials presented the update to the city Public Safety Committee on Wednesday.

Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( SDPD clears rape kit backlog, now in full compliance with state law )

Also on site :

• Kristen Doute Makes Bold Statement About Brittany Cartwright's Heated Reaction to Nia Sanchez
• She escaped an avalanche and became the first woman to summit Everest. Today, few remember her name
• Lisa Rinna, 61, Sizzles in Skimpy Leopard Bikini on the Beach