Montana Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence - Inventory, Tracking and Reporting Program

The Montana Department of Justice (DOJ) is requesting NIJ funding through the SAFE-ITR Program to provide for a state-wide computerized system with which sexual assault evidence can be inventoried and tracked as the evidence and case-related; information makes its way through the criminal justice system from collection through final disposition of the case.
The MT DOJ applies for funds to address Tasks 2 and 3 related to this program:
Task 1: Inventory. An inventory of all existing sexual assault evidence kits within the state has begun and has identified 1,410 kits that have not been submitted to the Montana State Crime Lab for testing. This work was conducted in preparation for application for SAKI Grant funds. No funds are sought in this application for this task.
Task 2: Tracking. The Montana DOJ will track sexual assault evidence kits from the time of collection through final disposition of the case for at least three years. The funds sought for this purpose will be used to purchase and customize software capable of accepting updated information from hospitals and criminal justice agencies about the progress of sexual assault evidence kits through the criminal justice system. Sexual assault survivors will have secure access to information about the location and action being taken regarding the evidence kit collected in their case and their case only.
Task 3: Reporting. Reports will be provided to NIJ as required. Required metrics will be posted on the MT DOJ website, which is open to the public, every 60 days and these 60-day reports will be included in semi-annual progress reports submitted to NIJ. Personally identifiable information or details about the sexual assault will not be included in any reports or accessible via this tracking and reporting program.
ca/ncf