Rhode Island Forensic Biology Lab
Backlog Snapshot

Untested Kits:
6*
Testing:
In Progress
As reported by the Rhode Island Department of Health Forensic Biology Lab in February 2016
The Rhode Island Department of Health Forensic Biology Lab (FBL) is one of the agencies where we are using public records requests to uncover the number of untested rape kits in police storage as part of The Accountability Project.
Through our efforts, we have learned that the FBL tested 99% of all rape kits received between 2005 and 2015 by February 2016. In Rhode Island, hospitals send non-reported or unreported kits directly to the FBL for storage. Those kits are not tested unless a survivor chooses to report their assault. The FBL reported receiving 1,507 unreported kits for storage between 2005 and 2015. To learn more about our process, click here.
Right now, we do not know the full extent of the national rape kit backlog because few states require law enforcement agencies to count, track, or test rape kits. The Accountability Project aims to bring greater transparency and accountability to rape kit testing practices across the country.
Local News
ENDTHEBACKLOG.org has not identified any news specific to this location. Please see below for national news on the rape kit backlog and efforts to eliminate it. To advocate for greater transparency, click here
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