Sexual assault kit tracking system semiannual report

In accordance with S.C. Code Ann. § 23-3-1300 (H.3309), the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) hereby submits its biannual report. By way of background, Governor McMaster signed Act 134 (H.3309) into law on May 19, 2020. The stated intent of the Sexual Assault Kit Tracking legislation is “to further empower survivors with information, assist law enforcement with investigations and crime prevention, and create transparency and foster public trust.” See Act 134 (H.3309). To that end, SLED is pleased to announce that the Track-Kit™ Sexual Assault Kit (SAK) pilot program went live on December 11, 2023. In order to accomplish the successful pilot program rollout of Track-Kit™, SLED credits the Sexual Assault Kit Tracking System Task Force, which is a group of individuals representing key stakeholders who have provided substantial assistance throughout this effort since September of 2020. Additionally, SLED has and will continue to collaborate with medical facilities, law enforcement agencies, forensic laboratories, and prosecutors throughout South Carolina as we continue to work toward full statewide implementation of Track-Kit™.

Since the last report, SLED and InVita Healthcare Technologies have hosted various training events for stakeholder groups and end users. To date, 20 training events have taken place and currently 10 more are scheduled. The Track-Kit™ pilot program roll-out began in the Pee Dee Region of the State on December 11, 2023, and SLED has enrolled all Sheriff’s Departments and Solicitor’s Offices in the 3rd, 4th, 12, and 15th Judicial Circuits. Additionally, 25 local/municipal Police Departments and 8 Medical Facilities from this Region have been enrolled.

Subsequently, Track-Kit™ went live in the Midlands Region on January 22, 2024. SLED’s Forensic Technology Department continues to facilitate coordination with all of the Midland’s stakeholders to upload all template information for end users in the 2nd, 5th, 6th, and 11th Judicial Circuits.

Finally, SLED anticipates that both the Piedmont and Low Country Regions of the State will go live by February 20, 2024. At that time, Track-Kit™ will be fully implemented in South Carolina.

S.C. Code Ann. § 23-3-1300 mandates that SLED submit a semiannual report containing data from the sexual assault kit tracking system. Accordingly, attached is a report which details statewide SAK statistics currently available beginning on December 11, 2023, which was the first day of the pilot program rollout. In reviewing these statistics, it is important for the purposes of context that SLED has only recently begun enrolling users and collecting data. Accordingly, as end user enrollment continues to increase, data will become more representative of the state of SAKs in South Carolina. Moreover, SLED cannot currently provide adequate statistics broken down by jurisdiction due to the ongoing implementation of Track-Kit™ by region. However, SLED intends to do so in future reports.

In conclusion, significant progress has been made toward statewide implementation of Track-Kit™ and SLED will continue to work together with its stakeholders throughout the State to fulfill the purpose of this important legislation.

Sincerely,

Mark Keel
SLED Chief

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