LAPD reduces rape kit backlog by 64 pct.

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Story Created: Nov 5, 2009 at 3:32 PM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 5, 2009 at 3:32 PM PDT

By Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) — An audit says Los Angeles police have significantly reduced a backlog of DNA evidence from thousands of rape and sexual assault cases.

Controller Wendy Greuel said Thursday that the number of untested evidence kits has dropped by 64 percent, from about 7,000 to around 2,500.

However, her audit says more precautions should be taken to prevent future backlogs.

The kits contain evidence such as body fluids or fingernail scrapings that could provide DNA evidence of a suspect.

A proposed state bill would require police to notify the state of their progress in testing rape evidence.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department also has decades of untested rape evidence from cases submitted to its labs by smaller police agencies.

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