What Is the Rape Kit Backlog
A rape kit backlog refers to the large number of untested sexual assault evidence kits held by law enforcement agencies. These kits contain biological samples collected during a forensic medical exam after an assault. When kits remain untested, critical evidence may not be analyzed, potentially delaying justice for survivors.
Why Kits Go Untested
Common reasons for backlogs include limited forensic laboratory capacity, funding shortages, and inconsistent testing policies across jurisdictions. Some agencies may also lack clear protocols for tracking and submitting kits. In other cases, decisions not to test are made before or during investigations, which can prevent DNA evidence from being used in court.
Efforts to Reduce the Backlog
Federal and state programs have allocated funding to help labs process untested kits and improve tracking systems. Advocacy organizations and researchers continue to push for standardized testing policies and greater transparency. For current data and initiatives, see the Bureau of Justice Statistics at https://www.bjs.ojp.gov/.
