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Title: Buried Amid Rape Kit Backlog: Justice for Victims Post by: MuffyBee on March 18, 2012, 03:17:16 PM http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/buried-amid-rape-kit-backlog-justice-victims-15948897
Buried Amid Rape Kit Backlog: Justice for Victims March 18, 2012 ::snipping2:: According to some estimates, between 180,000 and 400,000 rape kits remain untested nationwide, despite DNA technology that can swiftly link rapists to crimes. Michigan State Police stumbled upon between 9,000 and 11,300 rape kits in Detroit police storage rooms two years ago. The kits are being documented and tested in batches as part of a National Institute for Justice project. Initially, about 400 were chosen. Another batch of about 1,000 has been identified for testing so far this year. The kits — 10-inch-long boxes containing swabs, evidence envelopes and information sheets detailing the examination, complications and a list of 24-hour rape crisis centers — can cost $1,200 to $1,500 to test. Detroit's project is funded by grants. Houston, which had a 4,000-kit backlog, has embarked on a similar project. Grants and donations helped Los Angeles city police go through about 7,000 kits. A team that includes police, prosecutors and Michigan State University researchers is methodically inspecting each kit to determine which still can be taken to court, what protocols can prevent future backlogs and what protections should be included for victims. More... (2 pg. article) |