Forensic crime labs are buckling as new technology increases demand This story originally appeared on Stateline.  Across the country, state and local crime labs are drowning in evidence. From rape kits to drug samples to vials of blood, delays in forensic testing are stalling prosecutions, stretching court calendars and forcing impossible choices about what gets tested — and what doesn’t. Now, as the need for […]

Alabama Reflector:Alabama News Beacon #ForensicScience #CrimeLabs #JusticeSystem

Fort Worth Police Department clears sexual assault kit backlog, strengthens lab operations See how your state compares at https://www.endthebacklog.org

Fort Worth PD tackles its sexual assault kit backlog—a huge step towards justice! Improved lab operations mean faster processing & support for survivors. #FortWorthPD #SexualAssaultJustice #CrimeLabs #BacklogCleared 🎉

Twenty-seven percent more rape kits were sent to the state crime lab in 2024 than the year before in Mississippi. The increase is thanks in part to a law passed in 2023 to streamline rape kit processing, which officials say resulted in more rape kits making it to the crime lab. See the main thrust of the law by clicking the "+" next to Pillar 3: Test new kits https://www.endthebacklog.org/state/mississippi/

Mississippi saw a 27% surge in rape kits sent to the state crime lab in 2024, thanks to a 2023 law streamlining the process! This positive development offers hope for survivors and a stronger pursuit of justice. #Mississippi #RapeKitBacklog #Justice #CrimeLabs #PositiveNews 🎉