LAPD clears DNA rape kit backlog
The Los Angeles Police Department reduced the backlog of DNA rape kits to zero.
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and LAPD police Chief Charlie Beck announced the elimination of the backlog during a Wednesday press conference.
In 2008, more than 6,000 DNA kits had not been tested. The LAPD Scientific Investigation Division increased from 33 to 78 employees over the past two years in order to handle the large volume of kits to be tested.
The LAPD plans to hire and train 20 more analysts to prevent a future backlog.
Mayor Villaraigosa’s budget proposal sets aside $1.7 million for DNA testing.
Wednesday’s press conference was an event tied into the national Denim Day campaign organized by Peace Over Violence.
ATVN has more on some of Wednesday’s Denim Day events in Los Angeles.
