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More than 13,000 rape kits remain untested at police departments around the state according to a newly released survey from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. As Matt Galka tells us, clearing the backlog will take time and money.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement says 9,400 of the more than 13,000 backlogged rape kits around the state should be tested. The numbers are part of a new report released by the FDLE documenting the state’s rape kit problem.

The Governor says he’s committed to finding a solution.

“In my budget we have $8.5 million to reduce that backlog that was created by local law enforcement asking FDLE to do more, this looks like there will be more money needed and I will work with the legislature to make sure that happens,” said Gov. Rick Scott (R-Florida) during a jobs event.

FDLE estimates that it could cost anywhere from $9 to $32 million dollars to test the kits they’re responsible for, and it could take up to 9 years.

Spokesmen for the Department said they didn’t want to go on camera, but rather let lawmakers review the results and take the next steps.

Sexual assault advocate Meg Baldwin says there’s a lot of positives in the report but the numbers are alarming.

“Having the information about the attackers in a national database means that more attackers can be prosecuted, more victims get justice, and attacks in the future are deterred,” she said.

The Attorney General’s office has been pushing to clear the backlog.

“If it can put just one rapist, one serial rapist away, which we’ve already done, then it’s worth it,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi.
The report states that 41% of the untested kits weren’t submitted because victims didn’t proceed with the investigation.