The Seattle Police Department has received a $1.5 million grant from the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance to enhance the testing of rape kits and reduce case backlogs. This funding aims to assist in ongoing investigations and evidence testing in sexual assault cases, as announced by U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.
“This critical support is designed to move cases forward and support crime survivors as they heal,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “These funds will support the use of strategies such as genetic genealogy to try to solve cold cases and hold offenders accountable.”
The grant will facilitate the creation of multidisciplinary teams within the Seattle Police Department, including prosecutors, victim advocates, and service providers. A new case management system will be implemented for tracking investigations and managing victim services. Advanced DNA testing methods and forensic genetic genealogy are expected to advance both current and cold cases.
Additionally, the funding will ensure that survivors receive timely updates through victim-centered notifications and trauma-informed support services.