DOJ gets $2 million to clear backlog of rape kits

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Department of Justice anticipates clearing the backlog of hundreds of untested sexual assault evidence test kits by the end of 2018.

Attorney General Brad Schimel announced Thursday another $2 million in grant funding from the U.S. Bureau of Justice Assistance will help ensure that backlog of untested kits is finally eliminated. The evidence has accumulated at law enforcement agencies and hospitals over the previous decades.

The DOJ says work is complete on 436 of the 4,069 inventoried kits that were designated for testing. Another 1,626 kits are currently being processed or waiting to be tested at the outside lab used by the DOJ.

Of the $2 million in funding, about $264,000 will actually be used to test backlogged kits. The grant money will also be used for training those who deal with assault victims, among other things.