There are more than 13,000 untested rape kits in Florida. That’s according to a $300,000 assessment surveying law enforcement crime labs, announced Monday. Getting those bits of DNA tested has been a major focus for Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi.
In a statement, Bondi says she’s pleased the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has finished the assessment, adding the rape kit backlog must be addressed. And, Rep. Janet Adkins (R-Fernandina Beach)—whose bill putting guidelines in place just started moving—agrees.
“In the city of Detroit, there are 8,707 untested rape kits that were found,” said Adkins, during a House hearing last month. “Approximately 2,000 were analyzed, which resulted in 760 matches, identifying the perpetrator and the identification of 188 serial offenders. It is important to create statewide standards for the testing of these kits. By doing so, we will ensure justice for victims of this violent crime and perhaps, prevent future crimes from occurring.”
So far, Governor Rick Scott has pledged $8.5 million to help process the untested kits. Meanwhile, FDLE estimates it could cost between $9 million and $32 million.
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