NCJ Number
251625
Date Published
January 2018
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes the training and technical assistance (TTA) services provided to law enforcement agencies by the federal Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), which was launched by the U.S. Justice Department to address the widespread backlogs of sexual assault kits that have not been submitted to crime labs for evidence testing.
Abstract
In 2015, 20 state and local jurisdictions were selected as SAKI sites, followed by 12 additional jurisdictions in 2016 and 9 jurisdictions in 2017. For these sites and other jurisdictions, the SAKI TTA program offers expertise and assistance. The TTA program assists jurisdictions in establishing effective and sustainable practices for collecting and processing forensic evidence, investigating and prosecuting sexual assault cases, and supporting survivors of sexual assault. Project activities include delivering TTA to address immediate needs; assessing long-term needs in addressing strategic challenges and priorities; facilitating cross-site learning; developing TTA curricula and materials; and disseminating and assisting with the implementation of evidence-based practices. TTA focus areas are a multidisciplinary response to sexual assault, law enforcement investigation of sexual assault cases, the prosecution of such cases, initiating and strengthening the role of sexual assault nurse examiners in such cases, linking crime laboratory information and management systems with investigations and prosecutions of sexual assault cases, and improving sexual-assault victim advocacy. Partners in this SAKI TTA initiative are noted.