16-05-2025
SDPD clears Sexual Assault Evidence Kits backlog for first time in 6 years
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The San Diego Police Department has reached a significant milestone in its efforts to support survivors of sexual assault. For the first time since 2019, the department has cleared its entire backlog of untested Sexual Assault Evidence Kits (SAEKs).
City officials announced the achievement in a press release Wednesday, attributing the progress to investments and improvements in training, technology, workspace upgrades, and improved workflows.
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The turnaround time for testing SAEKs has dropped to an average of just 45 days, far faster than the 145-day requirement set by California Senate Bill 22 (SB22). As explained by the department, these kits are crucial for identifying suspects, supporting prosecutions and ensuring justice for victims.
In 2019, when SB22 mandated more timely testing of sexual assault evidence across California, SDPD had an estimated 1,800 untested kits. The department partnered with Bode Cellmark Forensics in 2020 to address the backlog in three phases:
450 SB22-mandated kits (2016–2019): Completed by December 2021.
1,350 'historical' kits (pre-2016): Completed by October 2024.
873 recent kits (2020–2024): Completed by November 2024.
While the contracted lab tackled the backlog, SDPD invested heavily in its in-house capabilities — upgrading lab facilities, acquiring new equipment, and enhancing training for its forensic biology staff.
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In November 2024, SDPD's Forensic Biology Unit officially resumed responsibility for SAEK testing. Since then, the team has completed 129 kits, processing 22 to 23 per month on average — keeping pace with incoming cases and preventing new delays.
City leaders credited the Crime Lab team's dedication, along with strong support from the San Diego City Council, for making the achievement possible.
For survivors of sexual assault, the efficient testing of these kits represents more than just a number — it's a step toward justice.
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