Maine’s rape kit practices could be harming public safety, here’s how [Video]

DOLLARS. FOURNIER IS SET TO BE SENTENCED ON AUGUST FIRST. IN MAINE – OFFICIALS DON’T TEST THE EVIDENCE IN MOST SEXUAL ASSAULT CASES – THEY’RE NOT REQUIRED TO – AND THAT PRACTICE MAY HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON PUBLIC SAFETY. 8 INVESTIGATES HAS BEEN DIGGING INTO HOW MAINE’S CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM HANDLES SEXUAL ASSAULT — AS NORAH HOGAN HAS BEEN REPORTING ON THIS ISSUE FOR MONTHS. SHE JOINS US LIVE IN STUDIO AND NORAH – TODAY, WE’RE LOOKING OUTSIDE THE STATE TO PUT THIS IN PERSPECTIVE- WHAT CAN YOU TELL US? FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE JUST LEARNING ABOUT THIS — MAINE IS BEHIND EVERY OTHER STATE IN THE NATION WHEN IT COMES TO INVESTIGATING AND PROSECUTING SEXUAL ASSAULTS. WE HAVE NO IDEA HOW MANY UNTESTED RAPE KITS ARE SITTING IN MAINE POLICE DEPARTMENTS AND STATE LAWMAKERS FAILED TO FUND A NEW BILL TO DO AN INVENTORY OF THOSE …