COLUMBIA, S.C. — A Look into South Carolina’s Sexual Assault Kit Tracking System
In a bid to enhance the processing of sexual assault cases, the South Carolina Legislative Audit Council (SCLAC) has recently wrapped up its audit of the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED). This audit specifically scrutinizes the creation and ongoing operation of a statewide sexual assault kit (SAK) tracking system. The idea behind this system originated from a law passed back in 2020, known as Act 134, which aimed to make tracking these sensitive kits more effective and transparent.
Background on the Initiative
Under the directive of Act 134, SLED was tasked with developing a robust tracking system for all sexual assault kits across South Carolina, no matter when they were collected. This initiative aims to empower survivors with real-time information, aid law enforcement in investigations, and ultimately create transparency that fosters public trust.
The tracking system is designed to trace the path of a sexual assault kit from the moment evidence is collected, through medical examinations, and all the way to its storage and potential analysis at forensic labs. Notably, this system isn’t just for law enforcement—victims of sexual assault are also given the opportunity to access updates on their kits anonymously.
What the Audit Revealed
To conduct this thorough audit, the SCLAC had conversations with SLED staff, various members of key task forces, and other relevant state agencies. They examined the technology used in the tracking system, reviewed training materials, and analyzed statistical data regarding crime and processing times.
This investigation uncovered some important points. Among the data evaluated, SLED had to report on the total number of sexual assault kits in the system, how many of those kits had completed forensic analysis, and how many were still waiting. What’s more, the audit highlighted the average and median lengths of time for analysis completion, both on a statewide level and segmented by jurisdiction.
Key Findings from the Audit
One of the critical evaluations from the SCLAC’s findings was the inefficiency present in the current system. In their concluding remarks, the SCLAC noted, “South Carolina’s sexual assault statistics and Track-Kit data show that the current system of investigating sexual assault offenses is inefficient.” This statement raises eyebrows, especially considering that justice is often delayed or denied for many victims, some of whom are under the age of 18.
Additionally, without mandated times for processing and storing kits, victims might find themselves in a prolonged state of uncertainty about their cases. This aspect of the audit has generated concern about how effectively the current system serves those who are most affected by these traumatic experiences.
Looking Forward
In light of these findings, the SLED has issued an official response to the SCLAC audit, emphasizing their commitment to improving the tracking system. Specific next steps are yet to be detailed, but it’s clear that both SLED and the legislative bodies are aiming for improvements that will benefit the survivors of sexual assault.
The complete audit report is available for anyone interested in a more in-depth look at the findings and recommendations. As South Carolina continues to grapple with the implications of this audit, the hope is that necessary changes will lead to a more efficient and supportive system for all victims.
Transparency and trust are at the heart of this initiative, and as stakeholders work together, the communities in South Carolina will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how these changes unfold.
