As teams of experts around the state continue to follow-up on new leads in unsolved sexual assault crimes, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is commending the critical work of Michigan’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI). The goal of this program is to address the previously untested sexual assault kits and, when possible, provide resolutions for victims.
The Legislature supported continued funding for this initiative in late September. The $1.46 million appropriation will fund the investigation and prosecution of cases arising from previously untested sexual assault kits in Calhoun, Ingham, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties. While the funds are appropriated through the Attorney General’s Office, elected prosecutors in each county will oversee the initiative at the local level.
“I am pleased with the Legislature’s bipartisan support for this initiative as the SAKI teams throughout the state continue their critical work in bringing offenders to justice and providing peace of mind to survivors,” Nessel said. “These experienced and specialized teams are supporting survivors and keeping their communities safe, while also establishing effective practices for investigating and prosecuting sexual assault cases.”
The funding supports a SAKI team of highly skilled professionals – comprised of a prosecutor, investigator, and victim advocate in each of the six counties – to review cases. This team approach is recognized as best practice for investigating and prosecuting sexual assault cases by drawing on the vast experience of each professional.
The Michigan Legislature funded the testing of all 3,600 untested rape kits across the state in 2013. In 2016, funding was expanded to include financial support for the investigation and prosecution of these cases. The program has expanded over the years to also include six counties, with State funding for both the Washtenaw and Wayne counties sites being authorized in fiscal year 2020.
With a number of closed and/or ongoing cases, several SAKI programs throughout the state have made headway as teams continue to investigate cases.
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