City of San Jose FY 24 Sexual Assault Kit Initiative

The San José Police Department’s (SJPD) Sexual Assaults Investigations Unit proposes to implement the Bureau of Justice Assistance Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) Program. The purpose is to address the SJPD’s need to inventory partially tested Sexual Assault Kits (SAKs), to address gaps and delays found from the current FY21 SAKI funded project, and to increase investigative capacity and begin follow-up for sexual assault cold cases with untested SAKs in the City of San José, California.

The primary activities include inventory of partially tested SAKs, inputting eligible cases into the Violent Criminal Apprehension Program, and beginning follow-up for sexual assault cold cases with untested SAKs that are being returned after having been sent for testing during the FY21 SAKI funding period. The objective by the end of the grant period is sustainable and consistent investigative follow-up for sexual assault cold cases, as well as the establishment of a dedicated analyst to be hired to support the SAKI grant project that will complete an inventory of partially tested SAKs within the department.