TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Pam Bondi today announced the testing of thousands previously unprocessed sexual assault kits. According to the latest Sexual Assault Kit Progress Report released by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, 6,865 backlogged kits have been tested so far. State and private labs are testing the kits as part of an ongoing effort to process thousands of previously untested kits.
“I am thrilled with the progress Florida is making to eliminate the backlog of previously untested sexual assault kits,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and I am proud of the work we are doing to stand up for victims of this horrendous crime. By testing these kits, we hope to bring some closure and healing to survivors.”
The state legislature approved initial funding to eliminate the backlog during Florida’s 2016 Legislative Session. During the session, Attorney General Bondi worked with law enforcement, prosecutors, victims and state lawmakers to secure $2.3 million for testing, and additional funding to raise the wages of lab analysts to reduce turnover, purchase new forensic testing equipment and upgrade existing lab equipment.
Attorney General Bondi also supported legislation to help expedite the testing of all DNA evidence, including sexual assault kits. Now, Florida law requires all newly collected kits to be processed within 120 days of receipt. According to the latest report, FDLE has a 99.9 percent compliance rate with an average turnaround time of 86 days for newly received kits.
To view the latest report click, here.
