More Pa. funding needed for timely testing of rape kits, auditor says

    In a Feb. 17, 2016 file photo, the Idaho State Police Forensic Services lab tests for DNA samples. (Idaho Press-Tribune via Idaho State Police via AP, file)

    In a Feb. 17, 2016 file photo, the Idaho State Police Forensic Services lab tests for DNA samples. (Idaho Press-Tribune via Idaho State Police via AP, file)

    Pennsylvania government auditors say it will take significant new funding to cut into the state’s backlog of untested rape kits and are recommending penalties for police agencies that don’t meet testing and reporting standards contained in a law that was enacted last year.

    Auditor General Eugene DePasquale on Wednesday released a report prompted by the state Health Department’s disclosure in May that there were more than 1,850 rape kits in Pennsylvania that had gone more than a year without being tested.

    The new report recommended that the state provide funding to add sufficient people and equipment to end the backlog and ensure that new kits are tested within six months.

    It also suggested that the state explore possible penalties against police departments that don’t follow the rape kit testing law.

    • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

    WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

    Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

    Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal