DNA

Minnesota Sexual Assault Kit Research Project

Objectives To collaborate with the BJA-funded SAKI site in Minnesota to examine the outcomes of the SAKI initiative (e.g., reducing the number of previously untested SAKs; enhancing victim satisfaction, participation, and empowerment; increasing the number of DNA profiles uploaded to CODIS/ViCAP; identifying serial offenders) as well as the processes by which the initiative produced the outcomes (i.e., increased interagency collaboration, development of best practices for victim notification processes). In addition, we propose conducting a cost-benefit analysis of the funds invested to test, investigate, and prosecute untested SAKs in Minnesota relative to the potential costs savings of preventing future crimes through testing SAKs.