The Effects of a Texas Law that Mandates Sexual Assault Kit Testing

• In Event: Unsubmitted Sexual Assault Kits: Research Informing Practice

Abstract

In 2011 a Texas law mandated that police submit all sexual assault kits to an accredited crime laboratory for forensic testing. As part of this law police agencies were also required to identify all older untested sexual assault kits in their custody so they could be also tested. This study examined the effects of this law in four jurisdictions, with a focus on police investigative units. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed to understand trends over time and to identify procedural reforms that occurred when jurisdictions test larger numbers of older and new sexual assault kits. Findings revealed variation across sites in their responses to the law and its effects.

Authors

• Robert C. Davis, Police Foundation

• William M. Wells, Sam Houston State University

• Ilse Knecht, Joyful Heart Foundation