Resources for Practitioners

Data and Communication Flow in CODIS:
An overview document that describes the tiered approach of communication in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).

DNA Testing 101: Sexual Assault Kits
One of the keys to ensure effective investigation of sexual assault kits is to have a strong foundation and understanding of DNA testing. This document highlights the process of testing DNA samples obtained from SAKs and the workflow required to analyze the evidence and report the findings.

Elements of Reform - Changing State Laws to Prevent Future Backlogs
Jurisdictions across the nation are working to address sexual assault reform through legislative changes. The SAKI Training and Technical Assistance (SAKI TTA) team is raising awareness of these legislative changes; this particular brief highlights legislative changes in Kentucky.

Encouraging Positive Communication: A Victim's Guide to Working with Law Enforcement
After the trauma inflicted during a sexual assault, recounting the experience to law enforcement can seem daunting. This pamphlet provides guidance and encouragement to victims to help ensure positive, supportive communication and build a rapport with law enforcement.

Guidance for Entering BJA Performance Measures Regarding Number of CODIS Hits
National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) grantees are required to report performance measures on a quarterly basis. Use this document as guidance when reporting measures related to Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) hits.

Medical History and Law Enforcement Interviews: Separate and Collaborative
This resource describes the distinct roles and responsibilities of a law enforcement officer as an investigator and a SANE as a health care provider. Furthermore, this document outlines the recommendations by the SAKI TTA team to keep these two victim interactions separate but collaborative.

SAKI Arrest Press Release Template
This document provides guidance on writing a press release to announce an arrest in a sexual assault investigation.

SAKI Grant Background Template
This document provides guidance on writing a press release to describe your agency's SAKI grant.

SAKI Media Relations: Key Considerations for Partnering with the Media
Raising public awareness of an agency’s work on the SAKI project and in sexual assault reform is important. In this brief, key things to consider for effective and transparent communication are discussed.

SAKI's Partnership with the Violent Criminal Apprehension Program
The Violent Criminal Apprehension Program, commonly referred to as ViCAP, has partnered with the SAKI project to assist sites in sexual assault investigations. This document explains what ViCAP is, what services the program has to offer, and criteria for criminal case submission.

Sexual Assault Kit Testing Process
An overview of the sexual assault kit (SAK) testing process is presented in this brief. The process begins with submission of the SAK to the laboratory for testing and continues with CODIS review and victim notification. A glossary of common terms referred to in the testing process and an infographic outlining the path of travel for a SAK are included.

Statewide Sexual Assault Response Reform in SAKI Workbook
To conduct the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative across a state requires dedication, resources, and coordination. The sections in this workbook contain key considerations for each focus area of SAKI. Use this workbook to record notes on your agency’s progress, track ideas, and strengthen your state’s efforts.

Switching to 20 Core Loci and the Impact on SAKI Testing
Stemming from the 2017 change in requirement for minimum loci in a DNA profile that is eligible for CODIS upload, this document highlights the details surrounding the change, the implementation of new DNA sequencing kit chemistry, and the impact that this change has on sexual assault kit testing.

Understanding DNA Testing and Reporting: Unsubmitted Sexual Assault Kits
This overview document provides information on DNA testing, such as STR, Y- chromosome, and mitochondrial DNA testing. This document also reviews the common elements of many forensic DNA reports.

Understanding Male DNA Screening to Eliminate and Prevent Sexual Assault Kit Backlogs
Effective testing practices for processing and analysis of sexual assault kits can be much more efficient if male DNA screening is implemented as part of the testing workflow. Incorporating the male DNA screening process allows laboratories to have an alternative approach to screening for biological fluids and helps reduce bottlenecks in the workflow.

Unsubmitted Sexual Assault Kit Processing: Five Objectives Toward Forming a Positive Relationship with a Private Vendor Laboratory:
With an influx of DNA testing needs, outsourcing DNA testing is a way to utilize private partners with minimal impact to current crime laboratory initiatives. This overview document provides a guide toward establishing positive partnerships with vendor laboratories for the submission and testing of SAKs.

Unsubmitted Sexual Assault Kits: Navigating the Process from Inventory to Adjudication: A Holistic Guide
This resource document provides a holistic approach to sexual assault reform and overall sustainability of sexual assault response.

Utilizing CODIS for Unsubmitted Sexual Assault Kits:
An overview document that describes how and when to use the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) for uploading foreign DNA profiles, in order to identify potential perpetrator(s).

Utilizing DNA Evidence to Investigate Cold Case Sexual Assaults through CODIS
This resource document helps streamline the Sexual Assault Kit testing process with law enforcement investigation through the use of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).

What Happens Next? Resources for Support, Questions, and Information
A victim can be overwhelmed when considering what to do after a sexual assault. Should a victim choose to file a complaint with law enforcement, this brief provides explanation and reduces some of the unknowns in the process.

Y-STR Testing: Enhancing Sexual Assault and Cold Case Workflows:
This overview document describes how incorporating Y-STR testing into a cold case sexual assault workflow can be a powerful tool for detecting male DNA foreign to the victim when traditional, autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) testing fails to aid the investigation.