SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's state auditor is looking into practices and procedures that led to a backlog of more than 5,400 untested evidence kits from sexual assaults and rapes at law enforcement agencies and evidence vaults across the state.
State Auditor Tim Keller announced Thursday a new survey of eight police departments and sheriff offices aimed at identifying root causes of the backlog and better policies and standards that can prevent untested kits from piling up again.
The review spans the state from Hobbs to Farmington and includes the Albuquerque Police Department.
An expert in training for sexual assault examiners says the special audit is not punitive and will include some professional assistance.
State lawmakers and the governor approved additional funding in February to help clear backlogs in the untested evidence kits.