The Rapid DNA Service Team

The Rapid DNA Service (RADS) Team changed the traditional rape kit testing process by performing a DNA analysis for every rape victim within 15 business days. This process is new in the State of California, and began in May 2011 in four counties. This approach differs greatly from the traditional approach where the cases are first filtered by an investigating law enforcement agency before submission to the crime laboratory is considered. 

RADS helps to alleviate one of the biggest concerns among sexual assault victims and human rights groups—that evidence takes too long to be analyzed or is not analyzed at all. With RADS, victims are assured that their cases are active, evidence is examined efficiently, and law enforcement is doing all it can to resolve their cases in a timely manner. In cases where DNA results are obtained, victims and investigators are assured that the DNA database will be searched, increasing the likelihood that the perpetrators will be identified and brought to justice quickly. 

Although RADS is still a pilot project, it is likely to be adopted permanently by the participating counties based on the level of success seen in the last 2 years. RADS could reduce the number of unanalyzed rape cases dramatically with its determination to let no rape kit go untested.