October 17, 2017
Governor
Justice announces
National
Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) grant award
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Governor
Jim Justice announced today that he has
awarded $377,335 in West Virginia National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI)
grant funds to one statewide project.
These
funds will be used to create a coordinated community response that:
·
Reduces the number of unsubmitted sexual assault kits, by
implementing a protocol/plan to inventory and then track unsubmitted kits
through to final adjudication.
·
Improves the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault
kit cases, through adoption of improved protocols, technology and management
systems.
·
Develops victim notification protocols and evaluates efficacy
to enhance victim services and the support of victims of sexual assault.
National
Sexual Assault Kit Initiative grant program funds are awarded by the U.S.
Department of Justice, the Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice
Assistance. They are administered by the Division of Justice and Community
Services, which is part of the Department of Military Affairs and Public
Safety.
The
funding was awarded as follows:
STATEWIDE
West Virginia
State Police $377,335.00
These funds will be utillized for a software program for
tracking Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) hits, and for renovations to storage
space for sexual assault kits to include temperature and humidity improvements.
Contact: Sheri Lemons
Phone: (304) 746-2181
Email:
Sharon.e.lemons@wvsp.gov