Full Breakdown
Colorado Bureau of Investigation Advances in Sexual Assault Evidence Testing
2/12/2026, 8:55:10 PM
Progress on Testing Backlog
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is on track to meet its goal of a 90-day turnaround for testing sexual assault evidence kits, achieving this target seven months ahead of schedule. This progress follows a significant backlog that left survivors waiting over 500 days for results. In January 2023, more than 1,400 sexual assault cases were caught in this backlog, prompting legislative action to address the issue. State Rep. Jenny Willford, who has personal experience with the system, emphasized the need for timely results, stating, "We should never ask our survivors to wait that long for answers."
Funding and Resources
To expedite the testing process, Colorado lawmakers allocated $3 million to CBI, enabling the agency to utilize private labs for assistance. CBI's current turnaround time has been reduced to 263 days, with projections indicating it could drop to 241 days by the end of February and 111 days by July. As of January 31, 614 kits remain untested, with 19 DNA scientists currently employed at CBI, and additional analysts in training.
Official Statements on Progress
CBI Director Armando Saldate expressed pride in the agency's progress, acknowledging the hard work of staff and the importance of eliminating the backlog. He stated, "Our commitment is to eliminate the backlog and ensure timely justice for every victim." However, he also recognized that significant work remains to be done.
Legislative Efforts and Future Goals
In addition to addressing the backlog, lawmakers are pursuing further legislative measures aimed at improving the experience of sexual assault survivors. State Sen. Mike Weissman highlighted the need for additional funding, proposing a $1 million budget amendment to continue addressing the backlog. He noted, "The budget reflects our values and priorities, and I continue to believe this is something that we need to prioritize."
A new bill, Senate Bill 26-095, has been introduced to enhance support for survivors. This legislation includes provisions for informing patients about the status of their testing, providing medication to prevent sexually transmitted infections, and allowing survivors to testify via closed-circuit television to reduce trauma during legal proceedings.
Criticism and Ongoing Challenges
Despite the advancements, both Willford and Weissman cautioned that the improvements are just the beginning. Willford remarked, "It does not fix the experience that survivors have," emphasizing the need for a more trauma-informed approach within the justice system. Weissman echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that while progress is commendable, there is still a long way to go to achieve efficiency comparable to other states that can process results in as little as 30 days.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We should never ask our survivors to wait that long for answers,” — State Rep. Jenny Willford, D-District 34
- “we are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication of our scientists and staff that has put us on track to meet our 90-day turnaround goal well before our initial projection.” — CBI Director Armando Saldate
- “We are in a tight budget situation here, but the budget reflects our values and priorities, and I continue to believe this is something that we need to prioritize.” — State Sen. Mike Weissman, D-District 28
- “But it does not fix the experience that survivors have," said Willford.” — State Rep. Jenny Willford, D-District 34
The ongoing efforts by CBI and Colorado lawmakers reflect a commitment to improving the handling of sexual assault cases, ensuring that survivors receive the justice and support they deserve.
