Post by Logan on Mar 16, 2016 19:49:18 GMT -6
BOISE – Idaho lawmakers signed off on a statewide system for collecting and tracking DNA evidence of sexual assault Tuesday, despite objections from a sheriff who said they should stay out of it because many rape accusations are false.
The measure would create standards on how medical clinics use rape kits to collect fluids after a suspected sexual assault. It also would implement a timeline if law enforcement agencies decide to send the evidence to a state forensic laboratory for testing, unless the victim requests otherwise.
The agencies would need approval from their county prosecutor if they don’t think a rape kit should be tested. The legislation now heads to Gov. Butch Otter, who has not said whether he will sign it into law.
“This bill sends a clear message that victims are to be taken seriously,” said Sen. Maryanne Jordan, a Democrat from Boise. “The DNA evidence in these kits can be a powerful tool in solving these crimes.”
Read more: www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/mar/15/idaho-moves-to-create-system-to-collect-track-rape/
The measure would create standards on how medical clinics use rape kits to collect fluids after a suspected sexual assault. It also would implement a timeline if law enforcement agencies decide to send the evidence to a state forensic laboratory for testing, unless the victim requests otherwise.
The agencies would need approval from their county prosecutor if they don’t think a rape kit should be tested. The legislation now heads to Gov. Butch Otter, who has not said whether he will sign it into law.
“This bill sends a clear message that victims are to be taken seriously,” said Sen. Maryanne Jordan, a Democrat from Boise. “The DNA evidence in these kits can be a powerful tool in solving these crimes.”
Read more: www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/mar/15/idaho-moves-to-create-system-to-collect-track-rape/