The Colorado Bureau of Investigation has introduced a public dashboard on its website to track the progress in reducing the backlog of sexual assault kit testing. Due to understaffing, increased caseloads, and the Missy Woods scandal, the turnaround time for DNA tests had grown to over 500 days. CBI Director Chris Schaefer stated that they are committed to decreasing the turnaround time to 90 days as quickly as possible and acknowledge the impact of the backlog on survivors. To address the backlog of 1,400 cases, CBI is implementing a multi-pronged approach, including outsourcing cases to third-party laboratories.
Last year, CBI’s DNA analysts spent half their time reviewing the cases handled by Missy Woods, a former forensic scientist charged with mishandling DNA evidence. The bureau is optimistic about seeing a decline in the caseload starting in July and aims to cut the backlog in half next year. The public dashboard will provide updates as CBI works towards eliminating the backlog and enhancing the timeliness of sexual assault kit testing. CBI expressed gratitude for the support received from the Governor’s Office and state lawmakers to address this critical issue. The bureau’s commitment to transparency and accountability is evident as they strive to bring justice to survivors affected by the backlog of sexual assault cases.
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