Councilmember Jack Weiss to give $250,000 to LAPD Chief Bratton for DNA Outsource

WHAT:          
Councilmember Jack Weiss will present LAPD Chief William Bratton with $250,000 to pay for outsourcing testing to help clear the LAPD’s backlog of approximately 7,000 rape kits stored in freezers.

WHO:       
Councilmember Jack Weiss
LAPD Chief William Bratton
Karen Wagener, Los Angeles Police Foundation

WHERE:   
Joint Regional Crime Lab
Cal State LA, 1800 Paseo Rancho Castilla, Los Angeles 90032
10 freeway to Eastern Ave. Exit. The crime lab is the first building, visible from the freeway, on the right (east) side of campus. The entrance to the parking lot is the first driveway on the right before the kiosk.

WHEN:  
Tuesday November 18, 2008 9:00 a.m.

WHY:      
The City of Los Angeles has a backlog of approximately 7,000 untested rape kits containing evidence gathered in sexual assaults.  For several years the LAPD, City Council, and Mayor have worked gradually to add new positions to the Crime Lab for DNA evidence and also to increase funds for outsourcing the testing of rape kits to private labs.  

In addition to $1.65 million allocated for outsourcing of backlogged rape kits in the current fiscal year, Chief Bratton has been seeking additional private funding to assist with the backlog.  Working through the Los Angeles Police Foundation, LAPD has received grants and private donations toward this effort.  The Foundation will announce a web site where individuals can get more information about the backlog and can contribute online.