Cleveland SAKI

The City of Cleveland proposes to submit all untested sexual assault kits to an outside laboratory for DNA testing, evaluate current policies and procedures, and continue implementing best practices and victim-centered approaches to investigating and prosecuting these cases.

With FY17 SAKI funding we established a working group, completed an inventory of all untested SAKs, contracted for victim services, and submitted an initial batch of kits for testing. Additional funding is critical to complete this project.

Activities: 

Submit 1,532 untested rape kits for DNA testing.
Procure technology to locate the victims of sexual assault cold cases.
Evaluate policies and procedures related to sex crimes and SAKs.
Evaluate the SAKI project
Maintain a working group
Hire an additional detective to investigate sexual assault cold cases
Partner with the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center for victim services
Send Sex Crimes detectives to SAKI-sponsored conferences/training
Receive peer-to-peer training
Contract with the Begun Center at Case Western Reserve University to conduct research and evaluation
Purchase new furniture for the Sex Crimes interview rooms

Products/Deliverables:

Ensure all rape kits are tested
Maintain a strong working group
Ensure sufficient detectives are on staff to investigate sexual assault cold cases
Ensure victims receive the best support and services
Ensure Sex Crimes detectives are trained on best practices in investigating sexual assault cases

Ensure evidence-based, victim-centered protocols and policies are in place.
Procure technology to locate the victims of sexual assault cold cases.
Ensure victims have an updated and comfortable place for being interviewed at the Sex Crimes Unit.
Evaluate policies and procedures related to sex crimes and SAKs.
Evaluate the SAKI project

Service Area:

The service area is the City of Cleveland, Ohio

Who will benefit:

Victims of sexual assault.  Even though the statute of limitations has expired, some victims will have closure by knowing DNA evidence was processed.
Future victims will benefit by improved policies and procedures and a more comfortable environment at Sex Crimes.
Members of the Working Group will continue to develop a partnership to investigate and solve these cases, and better assist victims.
The community as a whole will benefit by having an improved vision of the Division of Police due to better policies and procedures.