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Washington, D.C. -- Today, Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) sent
a letter to the Department of Justice in response to media reports that some
local law enforcement agencies are not reducing their backlogs of unprocessed
DNA evidence kits, despite significant grant funding from the Debbie Smith DNA
Backlog Grant Program, which Maloney created and helped usher into law.
In her letter to the Department, a full copy of which follows, Maloney
asked Attorney General Michael Mukasey to outline the steps DOJ is taking to
fully disburse authorized funds to local agencies and to audit the spending of
such funds.
In addition, Maloney issued the following statement:
"Every unprocessed DNA kit represents a victim who has
been denied justice. It's disappointing to see continuing backlogs of
untested DNA evidence kits, but we need more information about the extent of
the problem,” Maloney said.
“It would be outrageous if the backlogs are the result of
the Department of Justice's negligent administration of the Debbie Smith Grant
Program. However, if the backlog is partly the result of the increased use
of DNA testing as an investigative and prosecutorial tool, then that is a kind
of step forward and I would look forward to working in the next Congress and
with the new administration to increase funding for DNA tests,” she continued.
“If the backlogs are the result of local agencies not making
DNA testing a priority, then the victims of rape are being further victimized
and criminals remain on the streets,” Maloney said.
"Whatever the cause, I’ll work to identify the steps
needed to build managerial benchmarks into the next round of authorizing legislation
that will ensure that DNA testing monies flow from Washington-- and that the funds are actually
spent on reducing the backlogs in local police departments," she
concluded.
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To view the
letter: http://maloney.house.gov/documents/women/dna/102808Mukasey_DNA.pdf
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