Arkansas State Crime Lab working to improve rape kit turnaround time

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KARK/KAIT) – A pre-budget meeting for Arkansas lawmakers Friday shed light on a serious issue in the state that officials said is now headed in the right direction.

Content partner KARK reported that on March 8, officials with the state crime lab reported there is now a 90-day turnaround time for rape and sexual assault kits.

They stated the turnaround time this time in 2023 was about eight months, leading to further delays in investigations.

State Crime Lab Director Ted Brown said the problem is needing more staff and a new crime lab, which could be up as soon as 2025.

You can read more about this story on KARK’s website.