(WKYT) – The Kentucky State Police has received a $172,000 grant through the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) that will help it to investigate sexual assault cases throughout the commonwealth better.
Gov. Andy Beshear shared the news during his Team Kentucky press briefing on Tuesday.
“Our SAKI team has delivered real, meaningful results for survivors and victims of sexual assault in the commonwealth,” Beshear said. “Every single Kentuckian impacted by a crime deserves closure and the ability to seek justice, and this grant funding will allow us to continue making progress.”
The federal funding received by the state police originated from the Bureau of Justice Assistance and will enhance the team’s ability to analyze sexual assault kits and identify suspects through DNA testing.
The governor’s office created the team in July 2021 and works with victims, law enforcement partners, prosecutors and community partners to provide enhanced investigation and prosecution of sexual assault cases.
“Our people are working with law enforcement across the commonwealth to solve cases as well as bring closure and a feeling of safety to our people through the SAKI program,” said KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. “This grant funding allows us to continue that work, and today we renew our promise to Kentuckians to never stop fighting for our neighbors.”