Fort Worth police committed to reduce backlog for sexual assault kit testing, chief says
The Fort Worth Police Department is actively looking to hire forensic scientists and finalizing a contract with the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office to make progress in the sexual assault kit testing backlog.
Police Chief Neil Noakes provided an update about the Crime Lab’s rape kit backlog to the City Council on Tuesday, Nov 5.
As of Nov. 4, there are 708 overdue cases, which came down from 898 on Oct. 11. During the City Council meeting on Oct. 22, Noakes took accountability for correcting the backlog.
The Police Department has been trying to actively recruit new staff. To provide further updates, 30 detectives have been making phone calls to each victim with backlogged kits, Noakes said.
They expected to complete the phone calls by Wednesday, Nov. 6, for cases with unknown suspects.
A new protocol has been added where victims will be contacted about any delay in testing. The detective on each case will note the contact confirmation, Noakes said.
In the last meeting Noakes also addressed that the department was reaching out to certified contractors and staffers in other law enforcement agencies who might be able to work with Fort Worth on a part-time basis.
A contract is currently being evaluated between the city and the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office but due to technical restrictions, the medical examiner’s office can only assist with new cases.
The Office of the Police Oversight Monitor has also been included in the process to oversee and monitor the lab’s progress.
The crime lab has been scrutinized for the sexual assault backlog in the past by a whistle-blower lawsuit and investigations in 2020.
The department has also attributed employee turnovers to be one of the reasons for the backlog.
In the last meeting Noakes said the city had budgeted for eight forensic scientists to help process the kits, but had only filled three positions.
The Police Department has been promoting the job posting for forensic scientists in all its social media channels.
They remain committed to addressing the sexual assault kit backlog, ensuring the integrity of testing and thorough completion of investigations, Noakes said.
The backlog is expected to be completely addressed by April.