CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

State announces new rape kit tracking system

Jun 6, 2018, 7:55 PM | Updated: Jun 7, 2018, 8:53 am

...

SALT LAKE CITY – It’s a game changer in how sexual assault cases are handled in Utah.

The Department of Public Safety is unveiling its new website which will let the victim monitor whether or not their rape kit has been processed.  Initiative Victim Advocate Lauren Devries says one of the biggest frustrations sexual assault survivors have to deal with is the uncertainty of not knowing whether or not officers are doing all they can.

“The Sexual Assault Kit Tracking System provides victims the ability to anonymously track their sexual assault kit, its status and its location,” DeVries says

The victim can monitor the kit by typing in the rape kit number and a date of birth.  Plus, officers from all across the state can have access to this information, no matter where the kit was collected from.

The funding for this project came from the passage of House Bill 200, sponsored by Representative Angela Romero.  Not only does the bill make the website possible, but Romero says it requires law enforcement agencies to do more to understand the mindset of the victim.

“We also wanted law enforcement to be properly trained and be trauma-centric when treating victims of sexual assault.  We also wanted those victims to know that we, as a state, care about them,” Romero says.

Scott Stephenson with Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training says there are many moving parts in a sexual assault investigation, and it’s up to each person to recognize why certain questions may be so upsetting for a victim.

“I’ve heard in interviews in the past, ‘Why didn’t you scream?  Why didn’t you fight?’ Keep in mind, it’s fight, flight or freeze.  Some people just freeze, and that’s not consent,” he says.

Stephenson says officers will be going through new video training modules and new training courses to help them improve their communication with assault survivors.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Crime, Police + Courts

A video recorded by Facebook user Larry Jacquez shows the police response following the shooting in...

Jamiel Lynch, CNN     

At least 3 people killed and 2 officers wounded in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police say

Multiple people were shot and at least three killed in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police said in a Facebook post.

11 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

11 months ago

a police car is pictured...

Mark Jones

SLCPD investigating suspious death, seeks public’s assistance

SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City police say a body found Sunday morning in downtown is considered to be a suspicious death. Police were called to the area of 536 S. 200 West just after 11 a.m. Once on scene, officers confirmed the individual, who was found in a field, to be deceased. Information […]

11 months ago

The new Utah State Correctional Facility is pictured in Salt Lake City on Thursday, June 30, 2022. ...

Mark Jones

State Correctional Facility placed on temporary lockdown

The Utah State Correctional Facility was placed on temporary lockdown Saturday following a fight with several inmates.

11 months ago

The Salt Lake City Police Department is investigating the deaths of two people. Their bodies were f...

Mark Jones

SLCPD investigating after two bodies found inside an office complex

Salt Lake City police are investigating the discovery of two bodies found Saturday inside an office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive.

11 months ago

Unified police...

Mark Jones

Woman dies in hiking accident in Big Cottonwood Canyon

Unified Police say a 34-year-old woman died Friday following a hiking accident in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

State announces new rape kit tracking system