Oklahoma rape kit testing could cost at least $9.5 milliion
The Associated Press and The Oklahoman - July 17, 2018 9:52 am
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – State estimates show that testing more than 7,000 unsubmitted rape kits in Oklahoma could cost more than $9 million.
The Oklahoman reports that the estimates were provided in a report by a statewide task force examining the issue. The actual cost could be different because officials haven’t formally decided how to test the kits or how many to test, and the task force recommends some kits not be tested.
A statewide audit revealed about 7,270 untested rape kits in Oklahoma, but the state’s total number is likely higher because nearly 120 law enforcement agencies didn’t respond to the governor’s audit directive.
Estimates show it could cost about $9.5 million if the state chooses to outsource testing the kits. In-house processing of 7,200 kits could cost up to $12 million.
