CMPD Receives Grant to Test Backlogged Rape Kits

CHARLOTTE, NC– “It’s been a long anticipated need in our community,” said Norman Spencer with Safe Alliance.

Norman Spencer works with sexual assault victims at Safe Alliance and knows all too well the pain victims suffer when their assailant isn’t caught.

“It can cause those fears to never subside and be worrying and wondering is the perpetrator ever going to be apprehended or brought to justice,” said Spencer.

Which is why Spencer says as advocates they’re thrilled City Council approved an estimated $800,000 grant for CMPD to test hundreds of decades-old rape cold cases and bring them to justice.

“We expect these 600 partially tested kits will yield some pretty significant results in identifying offenders who’ve avoided justice up to this point,” said CMPD Lt. Melanie Peacock.

These rape kits were partially tested before CMPD had the technology for DNA testing. The grant money will also allow fund hiring the resources needed to see a case through all the proper steps.

“Helps us with equipment, district attorneys that have to be involved, we have to have detectives to follow up on cases, advocates and community resources to offer services,” said Lt. Peacock.

Spencer says not only will this be huge for the victims but also for other survivors to come forward.

“It shows as a community that we really do care about sexual assault survivors we are getting the evidence collected we’re testing it,” said Spencer.