Denver Sexual Assault Test Turnaround Time Improves But Remains Delayed
In Denver, the turnaround time for sexual assault tests in Colorado is averaging 185 days, which is 74 days longer than planned, indicating an improvement in the rape kit backlog but still a significant delay.
Denver, CO, July 28, 2026 —
DENVER – The average turnaround time for sexual assault test results in Colorado has reached 185 days, representing a delay of 74 days beyond the originally planned timeframe. While this indicates some progress in addressing the backlog of untested rape kits, the extended period for processing these critical forensic samples continues to be a significant concern.
The figure of 185 days reflects the average time from when a sexual assault test is collected to when the results are processed. This duration is notably longer than the initial target or planned completion time, though specific details regarding the previous backlog size or the exact timeline for the planned improvement were not provided.
Officials have indicated that efforts are underway to streamline the testing process and reduce the delay. However, the current average turnaround time highlights the ongoing challenges in processing these sensitive and time-critical examinations. The Denver area, like many jurisdictions, has faced hurdles in ensuring timely analysis of evidence, which can be crucial for ongoing investigations and providing justice for survivors.
The specifics of the improvements made to reduce the rape kit backlog were not detailed. Information regarding the laboratory capacity, staffing levels, or any new technologies implemented to expedite the testing process was not made available. The exact causes for the 74-day lag beyond the planned timeline also remain unspecified.
The impact of these delays on investigations and the psychological well-being of survivors is a considerable aspect of the ongoing discussion surrounding forensic evidence processing. Continued monitoring of turnaround times will be essential to gauge the effectiveness of strategies aimed at further reducing the delays and ensuring that sexual assault test results are processed as efficiently as possible.
Story summarized from the original created by Hannah Metzger on www.westword.com, see more information here.
