In 2018, Maryland received funding under the Bureau of Justice Assistance Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) project to address the state's backlog of unsubmitted and untested sexual assault evidence kits (SAEKs or “rape kits”). As part of these efforts, a statewide inventory was conducted to determine how many unsubmitted and untested/partially tested kits collected before May 1, 2018 exist in Maryland.
This statewide inventory found 6,818 unsubmitted and 725 partially tested SAEKs in the possession of Maryland law enforcement agencies. Additional unsubmitted and untested SAEKs have been identified recently, including SAEKs retained by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS). Offical updates to the inventory numbers
are pending.
It should be noted that the inventory numbers include anonymous kits, sometimes referred to as "Jane Doe" kits, which are not tested in Maryland. However, survivors may contact law enforcement to discuss their reporting options and kit testing at any time. MCASA can assist survivors in this process.
This interactive map shows the unsubmitted and partially tested SAEK inventory in each county, and with each law enforcement agency. The list below includes information on each agency’s testing progress as of October 10, 205 according to data provided by the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division. Scroll through this page to see how SAKI is making a difference in our communities.
*Please note that this information only reflects SAEKs tested with the use of SAKI funds. Some agencies, such as Anne Arundel and Montgomery County, are amplifying testing efforts with additional funds.
