This study examined and compared the criminal justice outcomes and cost-effectiveness of investigating all sexual assault kits (SAKs) in a backlog, both those cases with and without CODIS DNA hits.
An increasing number of U.S. jurisdictions have begun to submit their previously untested sexual assault kits (SAKs) for DNA testing; however, best practices for what should happen after testing are not well established. Should all cases be investigated regardless of the testing outcome or only those that returned a DNA hit? The current study examined an early-adopter jurisdiction that had completed testing and investigating all 5,165 previously never-tested kits. Findings indicate the SAK initiative produced a cost savings to the community of $26.48 million ($5127 p/kit) after the inclusion of tangible and intangible costs of future sexual assaults averted through convictions, of which $9.99 million ($1,934 p/kit) was from also investigating no-CODIS- cases. When considering only the costs to law enforcement, investigating all cases cost $12,000 p/additional conviction. Findings also illustrate the cost-effectiveness of investigating no CODIS hits cases and support an “investigate all” approach. This study enhances understanding of the economic value of what comes after testing kits and investigating cases and provides a framework for jurisdictions in prioritizing resources and maximizing outcomes from testing. (publisher abstract modified)