WASHINGTON – Nearly 10,000 backlogged sexual assault kits (SAKs) now processed as Washington State facilities have received more funding and resources to address these cases.
New legislation has enabled faster evidence processing, providing additional resources for labs.
“We started with almost 10,000 kits in the backlog. We currently have none,” Lab Manager at WSP Crime Lab in Cheney Jason Stenzel said.
Stenzel says that with new funding and more personnel, they want to prevent future backlogs.
“That’s really the goal,” Stenzel said. “As they come in, they move right into the process. We’re able to deal with them.”
Highly trained specialists are essential in processing SAKs. With the introduction of new resources, Washington has been able to meet the demands efficiently.
“I think we’ve been able to show that we can indeed get those answers out as quickly as possible,”Stenzel said.
He explained that every month, the state of Washington needs to test between 100 to 150 SAKs.
Most kits are processed at a specialized facility in Vancouver, designed specifically for these sensitive cases.
“That is what the facility is designed for,” Stenzel said.
He also explained that in the future, all cases will be run through that facility, though if needed, other regional facilities can also help with processing.
While most SAKs are processed in Vancouver, the regional labs still play a crucial role in the SAK process.
“We work beginning with the sexual assault nurses that are responsible for collecting the kits,” Stenzel said. “Our people go out and give them refreshers or teach the new nurses, what are the critical actions, not just the physical evidence itself.”
One piece of legislation has improved victim access to their SAK results through a website. When you are seen at a medical facility and a sexual assault kit is administered, you are given anonymous access to a WSP website. It allows you to follow your results from evidence collection, to testing, to the final storage location and eventual destruction.
Stenzel also explained that all crime labs collaborate with law enforcement, as these kits are often key pieces of evidence in criminal cases.
The swift processing of cases is both a legal requirement and a commitment by the labs.
“Ultimately it’s for the survivors, Stenzel said. “We want them to have that case established and settled as quickly as possible, so they can achieve closure.”
For more information on how to track cases, Stenzel recommends visiting the WSP website.
