Police Clear Rape Kit Backlog

The announcement coincides with Denim Day, an event that dates back to 1999 when a judge overturned a rape conviction because the victim was wearing tight blue jeans

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Police Chief Charlie Beck have announced that the LAPD has eliminated the backlog in processing evidence from alleged rapes, known as rape kits.

More than two years ago the police department admitted evidence in more than 400 rapes and sexual assaults had not been processed even though detectives trying to solve the cases had not identified any suspects.

In all, evidence from 5,123 rapes and sexual assaults had not been tested although 3,800 of the cases had been closed because of an arrest or prosecutors refusal to pursue charges or for other reasons.

At that time, Villaraigosa had promised to eliminate the DNA backlog by this year through a plan that provided additional outside resources to assist the LAPD's Scientific Investigation Division staff.

The announcement that the historic backlog of sexual assault evidence kits had been cleared coincided with "Denim Day" and "Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Denim Day dates back to 1999 when a judge overturned a rape conviction because the victim was wearing tight blue jeans.

Some two million people are expected to take part in events throughout the day to increase public awareness of sexual assault by wearing denim clothing.

 

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