California audit calls for better use of rape kits

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The California Legislature should require law enforcement agencies to do a better job using and keeping track of evidence they collect from sexual assault victims that could contain DNA evidence, state auditors said Thursday.

The audit says lawmakers should require agencies to submit the sexual-assault evidence kits for analysis every time a suspect’s identity is unknown. State Auditor Elaine Howle said the Legislature also should require crime labs to finish analyzing the evidence within two years of the assault.