The Line: Auditor Keller Announces Examination Of Rape Kit Backlog (Web Extra)

May 13, 2016 – New Mexico State Auditor Tim Keller announced on May 5 that the state auditor’s  office will examine why there are still over 5,000 untested rape kits around the state.

“Clearing the backlog of sexual assault evidence kits is absolutely critical for survivors and for our state’s public safety,” Keller said in a news release.

The audit will look at 8 law enforcement agencies in New Mexico: Albuquerque Police Department, Bernalillo County Sheriff, Curry County Sheriff, Farmington Police, Gallup Police, Grant County Sheriff, Hobbs Police and Las Cruses Police.

Auditors will also interview local community members and advocates. Keller’s office says the agencies were selected based on geography and size and are not accused of any wrongdoing. The audit is expected to begin this summer. There’s no estimate yet for when it will be completed.

Is this a long overdue audit of rape kits in New Mexico? Let us know what you think on Facebook and Twitter.

Line Panelists:
Eddy Aragon, CEO, “The Rock of Talk,” Fox News ABQ 95.9 FM
Janice Arnold-Jones, former state representative
Sophie Martin, attorney and editor of DukeCityFix.com
Antoinette Sedillo López, executive director of Enlace Comunitario