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News

DNA Rape-Kit Backlog Down to 648

Zach Behrens

Published Apr 26, 2010 11:00 PM

Back in 2008 when some 6,000 to 7,000 rape-kits were sitting on LAPD shelves untested, then-City Controller Laura Chick called it "disturbing" and "unacceptable" finding. The public agreed. Politicians, too. Now, the LAPD is finally getting close to going through the backlog and have 648 left to go, reports the Daily News.

One thing, however, that L.A. officials would like to see change in the future is a requirement by the FBI to have all tests repeated if a private lab was used. If the LAPD only had to retest kits if they were going to be used as evidence in court, testing would be expedited, money would be saved and future backlogs could be avoided.