North Dakota State Crime Lab Successfully Eliminates Sexual Assault Kit Backlog
The North Dakota State Crime Lab has recently achieved a significant milestone by eliminating its backlog of hundreds of sexual assault kits in record time. Attorney General Drew Wrigley expressed his satisfaction with the progress, citing additional funding, staff overtime, and a new lab director as key factors in the success.
With the concerted efforts of the State Lab, the backlog of approximately 270 kits has been reduced to just 80 as of September 1. This is a considerable improvement compared to the previous count of 271 untested kits reported in October. The backlog, which had reached a critical red alert level, raised concerns about delayed justice for victims of sexual assault.
Attorney General Wrigley acknowledged the troubling nature of the backlog and took action by addressing the issue. Former State Lab Director Robyn Quinn was dismissed in January due to her failure to address the backlog and other performance issues. Quinn, however, countered these claims by describing her dismissal as a witch hunt resulting from her lack of support for Wrigley’s agenda.
Jennifer Penner, a seasoned veteran with 20 years of experience at the State Lab, replaced Quinn as the interim director and was recently appointed to the position permanently. Under Penner’s leadership and the support of federal funding to cover overtime expenses, State Lab technicians made significant headway in reducing the backlog.
As of September 1, only 26 kits were awaiting final review, with 21 already completed but still requiring written reports for finalization. Ten kits were undergoing testing, while nine were in the initial screening phase. The hard work and dedication of the lab staff, combined with the secured funding, proved instrumental in catching up with the backlog.
Acknowledging the importance of processing evidence promptly for the benefit of law enforcement, the court system, and victims of crime, Attorney General Wrigley emphasized the need for effective communication and protocols. Despite occasional delays, maintaining solid procedures ensures that testing does not hinder ongoing investigations.
Thanks to the allocation of funds by the North Dakota Legislature, the Attorney General’s Office was able to hire three scientists for the State Lab, in addition to latent fingerprint technicians and firearms testing staff. This boost in personnel has not only been crucial in eliminating the backlog but has also had a positive impact on employee morale and reduced turnover.
The success achieved by the North Dakota State Crime Lab in resolving the sexual assault kit backlog demonstrates its commitment to delivering justice in a timely manner. The victims of these heinous crimes deserve reassurance that their cases will be handled promptly and diligently.
