Kentucky State Police is building a new investigative team intended to thoroughly investigate adult sex crimes with the help of a $1.5 million federal grant, Governor Andy Beshear announced recently.
The Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Investigative Team will utilize existing investigative resources within the KSP Crime Lab, statewide investigative jurisdiction and existing connections with local law enforcement agencies.
The team is composed of three trained investigators — who are moving from the Office of the Attorney General to KSP — and a criminal intelligence analyst. The team will continue to focus on investigating and identifying sexual offenders.
“This new funding allows us to continue this important work by ensuring investigators are able to analyze cases and ultimately help identify more offenders and link serial predators,” Beshear said.
Beshear said the team will investigate sex crimes with a focus on cold cases. They will test older rape kits or new DNA gives the possibility to justice to cases where it has “most likely been lost.”
Officials say that through the support and authority the team will be able to maximize resources and provide victim-centered services to survivors.
KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said the state has made progress in testing backlogged SAFE kits and closing unsolved cases, and they provide informed, effective and compassionate treatment toward sexual assault victims during the case.
The Justice and Public Safety was awarded the grant by the Bureau of Justice Assistance during the 2020 funding cycle.
Along with the team, Beshear signed HB 310 which will allow defendants to receive the proper treatment they need if they are not competent to stand trial.
