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                            Library & Multimedia
 A Window of Opportunity: Examining the Potential Impact of Mandatory Sexual Assault Kit (SAK) Testing Legislation on Crime Prevention
NCJ Number
              307169
Journal

*Psychology, Public Policy, and Law* Volume: 28 Issue: 3 Dated: 2022 Pages: 446–458
Author(s)
          Rebecca Campbell;
                        Steven J. Pierce;
                        Rachael Goodman-Williams;
                        Hannah Feeney
Date Published

2022
Length
              13 pages
Annotation
              This study assessed the crimes that might have been prevented had unsubmitted sexual assault kits (SAKs; or “rape kits”) been submitted for processing.
Abstract
              This study tracked a sample of previously unsubmitted SAKs collected in Detroit, Michigan, to explore what crimes might have been prevented, based on mandates in the Michigan Sexual Assault Evidence Submission Act (2014). The analyses revealed significant escalation in criminal activity over time by the offenders, including other sexual assaults, physical assaults, and homicides. Results also indicated most of this criminal activity was linked to a subset of prolific offenders. Finally, the analyses documented that up to 320 additional sexual assaults, plus over a thousand other violent crimes, might have been prevented with timely SAK testing. Large stockpiles of untested sexual assault kits (SAKs; or “rape kits”) have been found in police departments throughout the United States. SAKs contain biological evidence (semen, saliva, and blood) that can be analyzed for DNA to inform investigations and prosecutions. However, when SAKs are not tested, it is less likely offenders will be held accountable and they may commit additional crimes. Given the utility of SAK evidence in protecting public safety, a growing number of states are passing mandatory SAK testing laws.
      
  
          Additional Details
Grant Number(s)
        2014-NE-BX-0006


  
  
        
  Agencies
        NIJ-Sponsored


  
  
        
  Publication Type
        Research (Applied/Empirical)


  
  
        
  Award
        Serial Sexual Assaults: A Longitudinal Examination of Offending Patterns Using DNA Evidence
    
  
  
Date Published: January 1, 2022
    
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        Rape evidence kits



  
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