STATE OF WISCONSIN
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

 

BRAD D. SCHIMZEL
ATTORNEY GENERAL

Andrew C. Cook
Deputy Attorney General

October 5, 2016

Senator Tammy Baldwin
717 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC. 20510 

Dear Senator-Baldwin:

114 East, State Capitol
P.O. Box 7857
Madison,VVl 53707?7857
608f266-1221

TTY 1-800-947~3529

Thank you for your recent letter regarding the untested sex assault kit initiative.
You are correct that there have been recent reports in the media on this issue, but as you
knew from your many years as an elected official, too often the media provides
incomplete and inaccurate information to our citizens. Such is the case in this instance.

Recently, Wisconsin finally received approval to begin testing these kits. Prior to
that, despite having a substantial number of kits ready to be tested, we had not been
given permission by the US. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance to do
so. Accordingly, DNA scientists will be in the process of testing the kits and entering the
results in the DNA database in the next few weeks. As this first round of kits are tested,
we also will continue to work to acquire any remaining kits that remain in the

possession of law enforcement.

If you have questions related to this specific topic, please contact Jill Karofsky, Executive
Director for the Office of Crime Victim Services. Ms. Karofsky is an expert with respect
to the untested sexual assault kit program and would be happy to explain why
Wisconsin has been viewed as a national leader with respect to this program. Victims of
sexual assault and other crimes can always find help with the state Office of Crime

Victims Services at 

As a final note, in the future I would welcome you to call my staff before you rely
on media reports on any matter related to the Wisconsin Department of Justice. We are

happy to provide you with facts.

Very truly yours,

   

 
 

 

'Brad D. "1
Attorney General