SAKI: Comprehensive Approach to Unsubmitted Sexual Assault Kits, investigation and victim support

The City of Fresno is the fifth largest city in California, which is the most populated state in the United States. The Fresno Police Department (FPD) receives more than 1 million calls for service annually, which include various sexually motivated crimes. With the continued support from the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), the FPD established a Cold Case Unit to address most of its backlog of untested and partially tested sexual assault kits and cases where further investigation could not be conducted due to a lack of personnel and resources. However, the need for SAKI assistance continues as the FPD has uncovered additional victim sexual assault kits (SAK) that require forensic testing. Project activities include continuing with an established multidisciplinary team that will collaborate to determine the best course of action during additional testing and investigative follow-up. The focus of this grant plan is to optimize a victim-centered response through compassionate support and effective resources, thus empowering individuals to seek justice and rebuild their lives.